Urinary Tract Infections
Introduction
Microbes such as bacteria, fungi and viruses are known to be the leading causes of infection. An infection of the urinary tract is associated with the urine formation system. The tract is colonized by several health bacteria. Infective ones are quickly eliminated from the system when available. The parts of the system that can be infected are the bladder a disease called cystitis. Urethritis affects the urethra, and the kidney is pyelonephritis which is caused by the diffuse spread of infectious organisms into the kidneys (Rechtsteiner & Schappert, 2006). The bacteria E. Coli is the primary cause of UTIs. Urine backflow to the kidney is controlled by the one-way valves formed by the bladder and the ureters. The mechanism is aimed at prevention of the infection.
The prostate is an organ in the urinary system that is significant in the control urine outlet. Males with enlarged glands are predisposed to urine retention. The accumulation leads to the generation of microbes that cause UTIs. Some factors that are thought to cause infections but is still under studies is the use of condoms. The traumatic activity to the vaginal walls opens up the membranes that in areas that normally have microbes in their beneficial state become risks for getting a UTI (Griebling, 2007). Birth control is also a problem that has been set for review by medical teams. The use of spermicides and diaphragms has been said to contribute to the growth of bacteria which lead to UTIs. Those that have recurrent infections are advised to switch to different family planning methods.
During pregnancy, the disease can pose a danger to both the mother and the unborn baby. The primary challenge with the pregnancy duration is the fact that the mothers cannot be prescribed for the routine antibiotic therapy that is used in the non-gravid state. Treatment has to be considerate of the neonate and the health of the mother. Some of the drugs are teratogenic, therefore, are contraindicated.
A different category that is highly predisposed to UTI s is the elderly. Their bodies are already at a phase that is asymptomatic of the microbes associated with the infection. Bacteriuria is not a disease. The normal flora of the urinary system is present at a young age however for those above the age of 65; the number increases significantly. For this particular group, the diagnosis of the disease is made through urine sample cultures.
Statement of the problem
The identified problem is urinary tract infections. It is important to do research on the predisposing factors to the disease to create awareness to the people on how best they can prevent themselves from it. Available literature shows that there are several high-risk categories of individuals. To back up the study it necessary to identify the patient from al the groups and therefore, conclude the correct data.
Significance of the problem
The purpose of this study is to discuss urinary tract infections widely. To find out what are the predisposing features to the contraction of the disease. To identify the groups that are more at risk than others and some of the measures that have been studied previously to help in the prevention of the disease. Most UTIs are not serious infections. However, some have recurrent to some people, therefore, lead to more complications. One of the dangers is kidney diseases. Kidney failure is the end stage of the disruption of the urinary system. The kidneys become incompetent in the excretion of wastes, especially uric acid. It is important to study the infections to enable the public to get the knowledge on how to prevent themselves from contracting the diseases. The predisposing features and how to manage them when they occur.
Background of the study
UTIs are the second most common infection of the body. Approximately 8.1 Million people visit the hospital annually (Griebling, 2007). The people lack information on the predisposing factors of UTIs which have led the NIDDK, to form UDA, which is a unit aimed at generating information on the burden that the disease has on the people of United States. Women are, however, more predisposed to the infection than any people. Another high-risk group is the patients that have spinal injuries that paralysis either the nerves system of the extremities. The bladder is also controlled by nerves that are significant in the way urine is eliminated and eventually the chances of getting infections.
The catheters that are used by the patients due to immobility are the modes of transmission. The patients who already have co morbidities cannot take care of them (Hooton et al., 2010). However, studies indicate that for the patients that are admitted in critical care the tube has to be changed fortnightly. Those that recover but have to maintain the catheter in situ have to visit hospitals for continued care. Alternatives have been researched on to give a choice to patients that it is not necessary for them to have the indwelling type. A condom catheter also called a Uridom is used for some patients to substitute. A suprapubic catheter is also an option that has been considered invasive but more sterile regarding infection prevention (Hooton, et al., 2010).
Research questions
What is the relationship between UTI and age?
Does pregnancy predispose mothers to contract UTI?
Are unconscious patients nursed with catheters at risk of the infection?
What is the difference in the prevalence of UTI among adult male and females?
Hypothesis of the study
There is no relationship between the ages of the patients and the incidence of UTI
There is no difference between prevalence of UTIs in males and females
There is insignificance evidence that catheters are a risk factor for UTIs.
There is no relationship between UTI and family planning methods.
Variables
According to Heffner, variables are aspects of a research study that have the potential to change regarding the interaction provided by the survey. Dependent variables are difficult to manipulate therefore are more constant. Independent variables, on the other hand, rely on the changes of different phenomenon. In this study, the dependent variable is urinary tract infection. It is the measure upon which other factors are used as an influence. Independent variable is the predisposing factors that lead to UTIs.
Definition of terms
UTI- Urinary tract infections
Catheters- A tube placed into the bladder to help in urine excretion
Supra public- A thin tube inserted through the skin into the bladder at the lower abdomen level
UDA-Urologic Diseases in America
References
Griebling, T. I. (2007). Urinary Tract Infection in Women. Urologic Diseases in America. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Services, National Institutes of Health.
Heffner, C. (2012). Chapter 1.3: Defining Variables. AllPsych Central Virtual Classroom. Retrieved from http://allpsych.com/researchmethods/definingvariables/
Hooton et al. (2010). Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Adults. 2009 International Clinical Practice Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 50(5):625-663.
Schappert, S. M. & Rechtsteiner, E. A. (2008). Ambulatory Care Utilization Estimates 2006. National Health Statistics Reports. 8
