Risk factors associated with urinary tract infection among adult patients attending a tertiary care hospital: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection associated with significant morbidity. This study aimed to determine the proportion of symptomatic adult patients diagnosed with UTI and identify associated demographic and clinical factors. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, previous UTI, urinary catheterization, recent hospitalization, and urological instrumentation were recorded using a structured proforma. UTI status was assessed using clinical features and urine routine examination, and urine culture was performed for all participants. Associations were assessed using the chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Among 300 participants, 84 (28.0%) had UTI. The mean age was 48.6±16.2 years, and 174 (58.0%) were female. UTI was significantly more frequent among females than males (35.1% vs. 18.3%, p=0.002) and among participants with diabetes mellitus than those without diabetes (41.7% vs. 21.6%, p<0.001). Previous UTI (46.2% vs. 23.0%, p<0.001), urinary catheterization (50.0% vs. 23.2%, p=0.001), and recent urological instrumentation (48.0% vs. 24.0%, p=0.018) were also associated with UTI. Multivariable analysis identified female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.94, 95% CI 1.08-3.48), diabetes mellitus (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.32-4.05), previous UTI (aOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.53-4.97), and urinary catheterization (aOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.24-4.96) as independent correlates. Conclusions: UTI affected 28.0% of participants. Female sex, diabetes mellitus, previous UTI, and urinary catheterization were independently associated with UTI. Identifying high-risk patients may support early diagnosis and preventive strategies.