Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Among Febrile Under-Five Children in Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in under-five children is a critical health concern, particularly in regions with high infectious disease burdens. Despite its significance, UTI often goes undiagnosed due to nonspecific symptoms, challenges in urine sample collection, and a lack of suspicion among healthcare providers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UTI in febrile under-five children visiting the Federal Medical Centre Owerri, providing insights into its frequency, symptoms, and implications for empirical antibiotic use. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 170 febrile children aged 0-59 months. Data collection included demographic details, clinical symptoms, and laboratory analysis of urine samples using dipstick urinalysis, microscopy, culture, and sensitivity testing. Results revealed an 18.8% prevalence of UTI among the studied cohort, with a higher occurrence in infants and notable disparities in symptoms presentation. Notably, a substantial proportion of children did not display specific UTI symptoms, highlighting the challenge of clinical diagnosis. These findings underscore the need for routine UTI screening in febrile under-five children to facilitate timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Keywords: Urinary Tract Infection, Febrile Children, Prevalence, Pediatric Health and Epidemiology