BACKGROUND: To determine the incidence and risk factors associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients submitted to long-term urinary (bladder) catheterization. One hundred and thirty-six patients who had urinary catheterization during the period of may to december 1993 at an University Hospital in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational prospective cohort non-controlled study. Patients receiving bladder catheter were followed from insertion to removal of the catheter, looking for the development of a positive culture. Urine cultures were done using conventional media for aerobic organisms and biochemical tests for identification. Material from a urethral meatus swab was also examined for bacteria. Statistical analysis using parametric tests for cathegorical and continuous variables, and multivariate analysis for determination of risk factors for UTI were performed. RESULTS: Incidence of UTI associated with urinary catheter was 11,0%. Univariate analysis showed 3 factos as predictors: the nature of his disease (clinical or surgical) (p=0,01), stayed during hospitalization in one clinic (p=0,02)and duration of catheterization (p=0,00003). In the multivariate analysis only the duration of catheterization was statistically significant.(p= 0,03). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of UTI associated with urinary catheters in the analysed sample was 11,0%, because in the University Hospital there is a control of the alterable risk. Catheterization duration is an important risk factor for this problem. It is recommended to limit to the minimum the time of catheterization in hospitalized patients.
Urinary tract infection; Urinary catheter; Nosocomial infection; Risk Factors
