Breaking the stigma surrounding urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection, affecting any part of the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, occurs when bacteria infiltrate the urinary tract via the urethra, propagating within the bladder.
Marium Ali recalled feeling deeply concerned when she noticed her 12-year-old daughter withdrawn and walking strangely. As a mother, her initial fear was that something serious might have happened to her.
“Living in the slums, cases of defilement are unfortunately common, and that was my immediate fear. However, I was relieved when we went for a check-up and it was confirmed that she was suffering from a urinary tract infection,” said Marium.
Marium, a mother of four living in Majengo slums, has faced significant challenges due to recurring UTIs in her family.
She admits feeling too embarrassed to speak up when her daughter contracted the disease, influenced by the myths and stigma surrounding UTI.
"I've had UTIs myself several times, and when it happened to my daughter, it was too embarrassing to discuss it because many people in this community believe it's linked to sexual activities. I'm grateful that I noticed the changes in my daughter and acted quickly to get medical help before things got worse,” said Marium.
Marium said she contracted the infection in her neighbourhood, possibly due to using a shared, paid public toilet and poor hygienic conditions. She remembers feeling pain and itching while urinating. When the discomfort became unbearable, she sought medical help.
Mwanahawa Yusuph, a mother of five who also lives in Majengo, shared a troubling tale of battling UTIs five times.
"We live in a single room, and it's embarrassing to use buckets, so we're stuck with using the same toilet where I keep getting infections,” said Mwanahawa.
She said there are several cases of children aged under 8 contracting UTIs.
"It’s disheartening because I can't always supervise my young children to ensure they use the bathroom properly. We feel helpless. UTI is such an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition."
According to Dr Salim Mwadzogo from Kinani Medical Centre in Nairobi, UTI is common, particularly among women.
“Women are more susceptible to UTIs due to their anatomical structure, specifically because their urethra is shorter than that of men. This shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to travel up into the bladder, leading to infections,” said Salim.
He said inadequate hygiene, especially in communal bathrooms, plays a significant role in spreading UTIs.
"Poor hygiene practices such as inadequate bathing, improper sanitary towel changes, especially in shared public restrooms, are significant contributors."
He said maintaining cleanliness is crucial for women, especially during adolescence, as it aids in preventing various diseases.
“While many UTI cases stem from unhygienic toilets, any form of uncleanliness can potentially lead to UTIs,” he said.
He added that there is the possibility of UTIs spreading through sexual contact, emphasising the importance of hygiene in intimate relationships.
Salim said maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is important, stating that wearing a sanitary towel without regular change poses health risks.
A urinary tract infection, affecting any part of the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, occurs when bacteria infiltrate the urinary tract via the urethra, propagating within the bladder. While the urinary system typically serves as a barrier against bacterial intrusion, its defences can occasionally falter.
Symptoms of UTIs include cloudy or foul-smelling urine and the presence of blood. Studies indicate that women and older individuals face a heightened risk due to their shorter urethras, which facilitate bacteria's easier access to the bladder.
Factors contributing to UTIs include sexual activity, poor hygiene, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and certain medical conditions like kidney stones and diabetes. While both genders exhibit similar symptoms, males are more prone to experiencing manifestations affecting the lower urinary tract.
Globally, UTIs affect over 150 million people annually, making it the second most prevalent infectious disease.
If localised in the bladder, UTIs can cause discomfort but may escalate to severe health complications if they spread to the kidneys.
Treatment of UTIs involves antibiotics prescribed by healthcare providers. Preventive measures can help reduce the likelihood of UTIs.
Symptoms vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected, ranging from pelvic discomfort to fever and vomiting. In older adults, UTIs may be misdiagnosed or overlooked, complicating proper management.
A 2008 study conducted by the Aga Khan University reveals that two out of five individuals suffering from UTIs are children, with higher rates among women compared to men.
It also indicates that UTIs are among the most common infections in Kenya, affecting nearly half of all women at some point in their lives.
Children are also vulnerable to UTIs due to their genitalia coming into contact with soiled diapers, potentially leading to contamination from E. coli bacteria found in stool. Individuals with bowel control issues are particularly susceptible to UTIs.
Most UTIs are bladder infections and can be effectively treated if detected early. However, if left untreated, a bladder infection can progress to the kidneys, causing complications. When the infection reaches the kidneys, it becomes more serious and can cause damage.
Diagnosing a UTI involves a urine culture to identify the underlying cause of the infection. Treatment usually includes a short course of antibiotics, lasting from 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
In many communities, there is a prevailing lack of awareness about UTIs, with many mistakenly believing they are primarily contracted through sexual activity.
Top Stories Today
