The relationship between genital hygiene behaviors and recurrent urinary tract infections in pregnant women

The aim of this study is to identify the relationship of genital hygiene behaviors with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI's) during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 374 pregnant women in a district outpatient clinic in city center of Kayseri. Data were collected using the "Assessment Form for Descriptive Characteristics and History of Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy" and "Genital Hygiene Behaviors Inventory (GHBI)". Data were analyzed using chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. It was found that the prevalence of recurrent UTI's in pregnant women was 27.0%. The incidence of recurrent UTI's was higher in pregnant women who were aged 30-34 years, had chronic disease and anemia and a history of UTI's before pregnancy compared to those in their variable group (p˂0.05). The incidence of recurrent UTI's was higher in those who did vaginal douching during pregnancy compared to those who did not, in those who had sexual intercourse during pregnancy compared to those who did not, and in those who changed their underwear 2-3 times a week compared to those who changed their underwear daily (p˂0.05). The difference between the GHBI total median scores of the pregnant women with and without recurrent UTI's was not significant (p˃0.05). These findings indicated that recurrent UTI's was common in pregnant women and vaginal douching habit and the status of having sexual intercourse during pregnancy were associated with recurrent UTI's rather than general characteristics related to genital hygiene behaviors. Healthcare professionals should inform pregnant women about recurrent UTI's, identify risky groups at an early period and ensure that they are treated appropriately. In order to reduce the likelihood of incidence and recurrence of UTI's during pregnancy, it is recommended to train women on the negative effects of vaginal douching and to provide necessary counseling to them by assessing their genital hygiene behaviors.