Screening of Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infection among School Childrens through Dipstick and Microscopic Examination
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Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most prevalent pediatric infectious diseases, leading to substantial healthcare utilization including hospitalization and antibiotic therapy. Despite the asymptomatic nature of many pediatric UTIs, these infections can contribute to significant morbidity if left undiagnosed and untreated, including the development of chronic kidney disease.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic UTIs in school-going children and to evaluate the effectiveness of dipstick and microscopic urinalysis as diagnostic tools.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 67 asymptomatic school-aged children in the district of Nowshera, KP. Urine samples were analyzed using urine dipstick tests followed by microscopic examination to detect the presence of pyuria, hematuria, and proteinuria. The study excluded children previously diagnosed with UTI or any other infectious disease. SPSS version 25 was utilized for data analysis, with results presented in descriptive statistics.
Results: Of the total children screened, 40 (59.7%) were male, and 27 (40.3%) were female. Age distribution was split between 3 to 7 years (25.4%) and 8 to 15 years (74.6%). The dipstick and microscopic examinations revealed UTI positivity in 46 children (68.7%). Specifically, pyuria was detected in 32.83%, hematuria in 32.83%, and proteinuria in 18% of the screened children.
Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of asymptomatic UTIs among school children and emphasizes the necessity for routine urine examinations as an integral component of pediatric healthcare to prevent future complications. Furthermore, dipstick and microscopic analyses were validated as efficient diagnostic tools for early detection of UTIs.
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