Paper Title
Assessment of Knowledge Regarding to Urinary Tract Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Gitwe Hospital Rwanda

Abstract
The infection of urinary tract is one of the most common bacterial infections that affect women, as well as 50% to 60% of adult women experience a UTI during their lifetime. It is estimated that in young women there are 0.5 episodes of acute cystitis per person per year. [2]This incidence decreases with age. In postmenopausal women, it is estimated that there are 0.07 episodes of acute cystitis per person per year. Recurrent UTI is defined as uncomplicated UTIs in 6 months or, more traditionally, as positive cultures within the preceding 12 months. This is estimated to affect 25% of women with a history of UTI. Urinary tract infections represent the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy. Objectives: To assess the knowledge of pregnant women attending Gitwe Hospital on urinary tract infections as well as to demonstrate the risk factors of UTI for pregnant women and to identify the signs and symptoms of UTI for pregnant women. Material and Methods: An explanatory-analytic study was conducted in 120 pregnant women who referred to the health and treatment at Gitwe hospital. The tool used for data collection was a multiple choice questionnaire consisting of demographic information, knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire had been studied before the investigation. Analysis of the data was conducted, using SPSS software. Results: About 9.2% of the women observed had high school degree. 45% of confirmed that the UTIs is abundant in married women and less in unmarried with 33.3%, and 50% of women with first pregnancy affected by urinary tract infections, Unprotected sexual intercourse with infected person was the predominant cause of UTI with 20%, furthermore pain in the pelvis identified as the most symptoms of urinary tract infections with 20%. Conclusion: Urinary tract infection is a prevalent complication of pregnancy that can worsen maternal and perinatal prognosis. The special measures and precautions must be established for fighting against this infection. These measures and precautions should be implemented by Rwanda government, Reference hospital, District hospitals, health care centres. In addition, in villages where the prevalence of UTIs is high, women should be educated and trained about hygienic conditions in their daily life activities. Keywords - Infection, pregnancy, urinary tract