Pain or burning sensation while urinating

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 61 views

Introduction

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common microbial infectious diseases found in medical practice. This disease ranks second as the most common infection after the upper respiratory tract infection. UTI can attack individuals of various ages, including teenagers and students. However, it is unfortunate that data related to the prevalence of urinary tract infections in Indonesia is still very limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of the symptoms of urinary tract infections that occur in Preclinical Students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive method with cross-sectional cutting approach. Data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires online to students, and the sampling technique used was total sampling. The questionnaires were designed to gather information about the symptoms of UTI, including urinary frequency, urgency, and other related symptoms. The data was collected from a total of 482 students, who were asked to participate in the study voluntarily.

Results

The results of the study showed that of 482 students who participated, 161 respondents (33.4%) experienced symptoms of urinary tract infections. Of the total 149 male respondents, there were 37 people (24.8%) who reported the symptoms of UTI. Meanwhile, among 333 female respondents, 124 people (37.2%) experienced symptoms of UTI. The most common symptoms found are urinary frequency and urgency, reported by 97 respondents (20.1%).

Discussion

The prevalence of urinary tract infections among students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra is quite significant, with a higher proportion found in female students. This reflects the importance of attention to urinary tract health, especially among students who may experience academic pressure and lifestyle changes. The higher prevalence of UTI in female students may be due to various factors, including hormonal changes, anatomical differences, and lifestyle factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prevalence of urinary tract infections among students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra is a significant public health concern. The study highlights the importance of attention to urinary tract health, especially among students who may experience academic pressure and lifestyle changes. To prevent the occurrence of UTI, students are advised to pay attention to healthy lifestyles, such as maintaining personal hygiene, consuming enough water, and not delaying urinating. In addition, education about the symptoms and handling of UTI is also very important to increase awareness and encourage appropriate precautions.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Education and awareness: Education about the symptoms and handling of UTI should be increased among students, to increase awareness and encourage appropriate precautions.
Healthy lifestyle: Students should be advised to pay attention to healthy lifestyles, such as maintaining personal hygiene, consuming enough water, and not delaying urinating.
Early detection: Early detection and treatment of UTI are crucial to prevent the development of complications.
Further research: Further research is needed to investigate the risk factors and determinants of UTI among students.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Sampling method: The sampling method used in this study was total sampling, which may not be representative of the entire student population.
Data collection: The data was collected through online questionnaires, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the risk factors and determinants of UTI among students, and to develop effective interventions to prevent the occurrence of UTI. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the impact of UTI on academic performance and quality of life among students.

Conclusion

Q: What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A: A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a type of infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

Q: What are the symptoms of a UTI?

A: The symptoms of a UTI can include:

Pain or burning sensation while urinating
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Blood in the urine
Pain in the lower back or abdomen

Q: Who is at risk of developing a UTI?

A: Anyone can develop a UTI, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:

Women: Women are more likely to develop a UTI due to their shorter urethra and higher estrogen levels.
Older adults: Older adults are more likely to develop a UTI due to age-related changes in the urinary tract.
People with certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, are more likely to develop a UTI.

Q: How can I prevent a UTI?

A: To prevent a UTI, you can:

Practice good hygiene: Practice good hygiene by wiping from front to back and avoiding the use of scented soaps or bubble baths.
Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
Avoid holding urine: Avoid holding urine for long periods of time, as this can increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Avoid certain foods: Avoid certain foods, such as spicy or acidic foods, that can irritate the urinary tract.

Q: What are the complications of a UTI?

A: If left untreated, a UTI can lead to complications, including:

Kidney damage: A UTI can cause kidney damage if left untreated.
Sepsis: A UTI can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled.
Recurrent UTIs: A UTI can increase the risk of developing recurrent UTIs.

Q: How is a UTI diagnosed?

A: A UTI is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including:

Urinalysis: A urinalysis is a test that checks for bacteria, blood, and other substances in the urine.
Urinary tract imaging: Urinary tract imaging, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, may be used to visualize the urinary tract and identify any blockages or abnormalities.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be used to check for signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cell count.

Q: How is a UTI treated?

A: A UTI is typically treated with antibiotics, which can be taken orally or intravenously. In some cases, a UTI may require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics.