The Frequency and Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Women with Diabetes

Background: It appears that the incidence of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is higher in diabetic women than in non-diabetic women. The current study was, therefore, conducted to determine the frequency and hygiene risk factors for UTI among women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, based on the presence or absence of UTI symptoms and the results of urine cultures, 511 non-pregnant women with type 2 diabetes were divided into 2 groups, i.e., those who had symptomatic UTI (Group A) and those who had asymptomatic UTI (Group B). Further, the personal hygiene risk factors associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic UTI were investigated. Results: The incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic UTI among participants was found to be 6.2% and 1.8%, respectively. Of the variables examined, only the patient’s age and urinary frequency were significantly associated with the incidence of UTI. Conclusions: The present study revealed that the incidence rate of UTI among diabetic and nondiabetic women was almost the same. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that frequent urination was the only hygiene factor associated with an increased risk of UTI among women with type 2 diabetes.