Diaper type as a risk factor in urinary tract infection of children.
OBJECTIVE
Urinary tract is one of the most common sources of infection in children under the age of two years. Many known and unknown risk factors predispose to this important disease in children. This study was conducted to determine whether using a specific type of diaper plays a role in urinary tract infection (UTI) in girls under the age of 2 years.


METHODS
This case control study was performed in hospitalized children; girls with their first urinary tract infection were selected as cases, and those admitted for other reasons comprised the control group. Two groups were matched for age (±1 month), and other known risk factors for UTI. Type of diapers (superabsorbent, standard disposable and washable cotton), used for these children during six months, from October 2007 to March 2008, were compared in both groups.


RESULTS
59 matched pair infant girls less than 2 years were selected. It was revealed that in cases with UTI superabsorbent diapers were used more frequently than in controls (Odds ratio=3.29, P-value=0.005) There were no significant differences in other factors like number of diapers used per day, the time between defecation and diaper change, mothers' educational level, level of family income and mother's occupation.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of superabsorbent diapers could be a risk factor for urinary tract infection in infant girls.
Pediatric Infectious Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Alireza
A
Fahimzad
Masoomeh
M
Taherian
Reza
R
Dalirani
Ahmadreza
A
Shamshiri