HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP REMAJA PUTRI TERHADAP KEJADIAN INFEKSI SALURAN KEMIH

Abstract

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the second most common infection after respiratory tract infections and occurs more frequently in females, especially adolescents and young adults. Final-year nursing students are at higher risk of developing UTIs due to academic stress, the habit of holding urination, inadequate fluid intake, and suboptimal knowledge and attitudes regarding genital hygiene. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of female adolescents and the incidence of UTIs. Method: This was a quantitative correlational study using a cross-sectional approach. A total of 79 respondents were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling from a population of 253 third- and fourth-year students in the Diploma and Bachelor of Applied Science programs. Data were collected using Google Form and analysed using the Chi Square test and Fisher’s Exact Test. Result: The results showed no significant relationship between knowledge and UTI incidence (p = 0.198). However, a significant relationship was found between attitude and UTI incidence (p = 0.002), where a positive attitude was associated with a lower risk of developing UTIs. Conclusion: Attitudes of female adolescents significantly affect the incidence of UTIs. Therefore, promoting positive attitudes should be a key component in reproductive health interventions.