ABIONA IFEOLUWA ABIMBOLA

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections affecting millions globally, particularly females due to their unique anatomical features. Prevention and early
intervention are crucial for managing UTIs and reducing healthcare burdens. The aim of this study is to investigate the awareness and preventive practices of UTIs among female undergraduates of the Faculty of Law at the University of Benin. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing convenience sampling technique to select 237 respondents. Data collection was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire to address the research questions. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness among respondents, with 18.8%having good awareness, 47% moderate, and 34.1% poor awareness. Most respondents (96.1%) have heard of UTIs, with information primarily obtained from family/friends (9.13%) the internet (42.4%), and healthcare professionals (33%). The study reveals a high level of preventive practices among respondents, with 60% exhibiting a high level of preventive practices. Notably, practices such as keeping the genital area clean and dry, changing underwear daily, and staying hydrated scored highest, while practices related to menstrual hygiene scored lower. Factors influencing preventive practices include awareness of UTIs (88.6%), education/training (85.6%), living environment (67%), barriers/challenges (52.4%),misconceptions/myths (57.8%), stress/lifestyle factors (54.1%), and lack of support from resources/healthcare services (62.9%). Overall, there is no significant relationship between UTI awareness and preventive practices among these students (p=0.556, thus, failing to reject the null hypothesis. In conclusion, the findings indicate that while there is a moderate level of awareness of UTIs, there is a need for improvement in the understanding of risk factors and prevention strategies. It is therefore recommended that healthcare providers need to collaborate with educational institution in developing comprehensive UTI prevention programs, ensuring accurate information to the undergraduates.
Keywords: Awareness, Urinary tract infections, Preventive practices, Female undergraduates.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections affecting millions globally, particularly females due to their unique anatomical features. Prevention and early intervention are crucial for managing UTIs and reducing healthcare burdens. The aim of this study is to investigate the awareness and preventive practices of UTIs among female undergraduates of the Faculty of Law at the University of Benin. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing convenience sampling technique to select 237 respondents.
Data collection was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire to address the research questions. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness among respondents, with 18.8% having good awareness, 47% moderate, and 34.1% poor awareness. Most respondents (96.1%) have heard of UTIs, with information primarily obtained from family/friends (9.13%), the internet (42.4%), and healthcare professionals (33%). The study reveals a high level of preventive practices among respondents, with 60% exhibiting a high level of preventive practices. Notably, practices such as keeping the genital area clean and dry, changing underwear daily, and staying hydrated scored highest, while practices related to menstrual hygiene scored lower. Factors influencing preventive practices include awareness of UTIs (88.6%), education/training (85.6%), living environment (67%), barriers/challenges (52.4%), misconceptions/myths (57.8%), stress/lifestyle factors (54.1%), and lack of support from resources/healthcare services (62.9%). Overall, there is no significant relationship between UTI awareness and preventive practices among these students (p=0.556, thus, failing to reject the null hypothesis. In conclusion, the findings indicate that while there is a moderate level of awareness of UTIs, there is a need for improvement in the understanding of risk factors and prevention strategies. It is therefore recommended that healthcare providers need to collaborate with educational institution in developing comprehensive UTI prevention programs, ensuring accurate information to the undergraduates.
Keywords: Awareness, Urinary tract infections, Preventive practices, Female undergraduates