Relationship between Urinary Tract Infections and Various BMI Categories: A Prospective Research Study

Introduction: Throughout the globe, there is increase in obesity as well as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Body mass index (BMI) and low socio economic status were reported to be the risk factors of UTI. There were no reports on in this area. Hence a study was conducted to find the correlation between sociodemographic features and the incidence of UTI.

Methods: It was a prospective research conducted from May 2021 to May 2022. Individuals aged > 18 with the symptoms of UTI were included, malignant individuals, those on steroid treatment were excluded. The participants clinical history was recorded in the proforma. Sociodeconomic data was recorded as per the Modified Kuppuswamy scale and BMI was estimated by entering height and weight in the National Institute of Health (NIH) website and divided in to 4 categories. Sample size, specimen collection, culture were practised as per the guidelines. Logistic regression analysis was applied and P <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Results: UTI was detected in 322 (100%). The mean age of the study members was 37.2 years, 123 were male and 199 were female participants, the female male ratio was 1.7. Highest number of UTI was detected in lower class (78; 24.2%) followed by middle class (73; 22.7%), upper class (64; 19.8%), upper middle class (59; 18.3%) and lower middle class (48; 24.2%). Maximum (102; 31.7%) UTI was diagnosed in obesity followed by over weight (96; 29.8%). Logistic regression analysis did not show any association between BMI and UTI (OR = 0.986, 95% CI: 0.923-1.024, P = 0.810).

Conclusions: UTI is common among sexually active female. As per the study findings low socioeconomic status and obesity are the common risk factors for UTI. Hence individuals with a high BMI should be evaluated for UTI if symptoms are noticed.