title: An epidemiologic study of cystitis among Muslim women attending an out-patients clinic in Karachi.
abstract: Cystitis is considered to be one of the most common infections afflicting women of all age groups. It has been suggested that personal hygiene customs may influence the prevalence of cystitis. In this study, 130 women of child bearing age attending the out-patients clinic were interviewed in order to determine the frequency of cystitis and its associated risk factors including personal hygiene practices. Twenty seven percent of the women reported suffering from cystitis atleast once in the past, comparable to reported studies from the United States but higher than reported from other Muslim countries. Sixty-three percent of women reported their first episode during pregnancy and a significant relationship was observed between parity and cystitis (p value < 0.000). However, personal hygiene practices following micturition or sexual intercourse bore no significant association with cystitis. Cystitis, commonly reported among Pakistani married women, occurs primarily during pregnancy. Preventive measures during pregnancy are suggested.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Atiullah
authors.forename: F F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Fikree
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Husain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003556:Cystitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007514:Islam; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors