Exploring the Relationship Between Age, Gender, and Urinary Tract Infections In Febrile Under-Five Children At Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

¹Nwigwe U. M., ²Esezobor C. I.,  ¹Iregbu F. U. and ³Ushie S. N.

 ¹Federal   University Teaching Hospital Owerri

 ²Lagos University Teaching Hospital Lagos State

 ³Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi

ABSTRACT

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young children, particularly under-fives, remain a significant health concern, often overlooked due to non-specific symptoms and challenges in obtaining urine samples. This research aimed to discern the relationship between UTIs and demographic factors like age and gender. Conducted in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria, the study enrolled 170 febrile children aged 0-59 months, collecting urine samples and assessing symptoms. While the overall prevalence of UTI was not significantly different between genders or age groups, certain trends emerged. Female infants showed a notably higher UTI prevalence, potentially attributed to anatomical factors facilitating bacterial translocation. Interestingly, UTI was absent in older female participants (48-59 months), possibly due to increased immunity, improved hygiene, and toilet training. Non-specific symptoms predominated presentations, emphasizing the importance of considering UTI in the differential diagnosis for febrile under-five children.

Keywords: Urinary tract infection, under-five children, prevalence, age, gender, Nigeria.

CITE AS: Nwigwe U. M., Esezobor C. I., Iregbu F. U. and Ushie S. N. (2024). Exploring the Relationship Between Age, Gender, and Urinary Tract Infections In Febrile Under-Five Children At Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF  RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 5(1): 136-143. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJRMS/2024/136.14357.1400