Pages: 1-9

Abstract

Urinary tract infections are common non-viral diseases mostly transmitted through sexual activities. Our study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with these infections among students of Rivers State college of Health Sciences and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A cross sectional study was conducted in which urine specimens from 353 students (89males, 253females) were collected.  The samples were prepared for microscopic examination using wet mount method for observation of motile organisms and sedimentation technique for observation of eggs and cysts. Out of the 353 samples investigated, 107(30.3%) were infected. The parasites identified included Trichomonas vaginalis, Schistosoma haematobium and Enterobius Vermicularis. Of all the parasite species identified, T. vaginalis showed a statistically significant prevalence (p<0.05). Although there was no significance relationship between age and prevalence of the parasites, the most infected age group was 21-25yrs (29%) followed by 16-20yrs (27%) while the least infection was found among students above the age of 40years (6%). More females (86.9%) were infected than males (13.1%) and this was statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, more single women (92.5%) were infected than married women (7.5%).  There was no significance relationship (p>0.05) between nature of toilet used and prevalence of the parasites.  The students that used bucket/ semi water system at home, water closet system at home and pit toilet at home had 54.2%, 25.5% and 22.4% respectively. The high prevalence rate observed in the study is a source of great concern. Health education, regular screening and treatment of infected persons will reduce the trend.