PREVALENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN CHILDREN IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disorder in childhood. Early identification and appropriate antibiotic use are essential to avoid long-term sequels. The trial objective is to identify the prevalence of URI in children, and the risk factors. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the Saudi Arabia, from April 4th. 2020 till July 30th. 2020. The sample was randomly selected from children who presented to the ministry of health tertiary hospitals. People answered a survey of 10 questionnaires. Results:1083 people participated in the current trial. The prevalence of UTI was 25.8%. The mean age was 4.5 - 5 years. UTI was commoner in females than males. Urethritis was the main presenting complaint. Western region was the commonest identified area. Those with multivitamin deficiency had the highest prevalence. Conclusion: UTI is not a very common problem for children in Saudi Arabia. Western region had the highest prevalence and the peak age ranged from 4.5 to 5 years. Additionally, nearly a sixth of children could develop severe/complicated UTI.