FREQUENCY OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION AMONG CHILDREN PRESENTING WITH ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the second most common bacterial infection in children and often presents with non-specific symptoms. Acute gastroenteritis (AGE), one of the most frequent causes of pediatric emergency visits, may mask underlying UTIs due to overlapping clinical features, especially in young children. Early detection is critical to prevent renal complications. Objective: To determine the frequency of urinary tract infection among children presenting with acute gastroenteritis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, NWGH&RC, over six months. A total of 101 children aged 6 months to 10 years presenting with AGE were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Midstream urine samples were collected and analyzed through microscopy and culture to diagnose UTI. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Frequencies, means, and post-stratification chi-square tests were applied to determine associations. Results: The mean age of participants was 62 months. Males made up 51% and females 49% of the study group. UTI was diagnosed in 17 children (16.8%). A higher prevalence was observed among females (18.0%) compared to males (15.4%) and in younger children aged 6–24 months (26.5%). Urban children had a marginally higher UTI rate (18%) than rural children (15%). No statistically significant association was found between UTI and socioeconomic status or residence. Conclusion: UTI was found to be a relatively frequent comorbidity in children with acute gastroenteritis. Routine screening for UTI in such patients—especially younger children and females—can aid early diagnosis and reduce the risk of renal complications.