BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy and its correlation with low back pain, as well as at analyzing prenatal assistance and orientations provided by two nurses during pregnant women assistance. METHOD: This was a transversal, exploratory and descriptive study carried out with 124 pregnant women divided in 2 comparative groups (GI and GII), who received prenatal assistance in different moments by different professionals in a Family Health Unit between June 2009 and June 2010. Data were collected through perinatal records and semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Data analysis has shown that most pregnant women were aged between 20 and 29 years (67%), education has varied from no education (42%) to elementary school (33%). GI had 42% prevalence of UTI and GII 33%. As to genital hygiene habits, it has been observed that 17% of GI patients would not carry out any genital hygiene after vesical and intestinal eliminations and intercourse during pregnancy. In GII, 66% would carry out genital hygiene. Other study data have shown that 100% of GI patients have reported not having attended orientation groups during prenatal assistance versus 100% attendance of GII. As to low back pain, 85% of GI women and 84% of GII women with UTI have referred low back pain, being this association statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of UTI during gestation was 42% for GI and 33% for GII. Low back pain was the primary symptom reported by patients with confirmed UTI. There has been progressive spread of health and education knowledge during prenatal assistance provided by the GII professional with possible association with decreased incidence of UTI. This study proposes a topographic low back pain evaluation during patient's history for early UTI diagnosis and its potential association with low back pain; and suggests more emphasis on educational actions during prenatal assistance as a possible determining factor to decrease UTI during gestation.
Pregnant women; Prevalence of urinary tract infection; Urinary tract infection
