Prevalence of urinary tract infections in women with urinary incontinence and other risk factors

Aim: Many factors are presumed to contribute to the development of urinary tract infections. The most significant of these factors are postmenopausal vaginal and urethral atrophy, urinary incontinence, cystocele, and postvoid residual urine. Diabetes mellitus; neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease; obesity; smoking; multiparity; and hard delivery history are also considered influential factors for urinary tract infections. In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors involved in urinary tract infections in women, especially focusing on the effects of urinary incontinence. Material and Method: Medical records of 1,060 female patients were examined retrospectively. Data about age, urinary incontinence types, parity, delivery history, hysterectomy history, constipation, postmenopausal symptoms, obstructive urinary symptoms, urinary tract infection history, presence of systemic diseases, and smoking history were obtained from the medical records of the patients. Results: In the univariate analysis, aging, higher post void residual urine, smaller Qmax, postmenopausal symptoms, diabetes mellitus, neurologic disorders, vaginal-urethral atrophy, and the abnormality of the uroflow graphic were found as the risk factors. In multivariate analysis only diabetes mellitus was found to be statistically meaningful. Discussion: In light of our results and the literature, it would not be incorrect to assert that all of these factors increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Certainly, supplementary studies are needed to further identify the risk factors, mechanisms, and prevention strategies for this prevalent and chronic disorder affecting many women globally.