Risk factors for urinary tract infections in geriatric hospitals

Summary Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most frequent nosocomial infection in geriatric units. An understanding of risk factors for infection may help identify prevention strategies. Aim Identification of the risk factors for UTI in elderly patients. Method Retrospective analysis of 3 prospective cohorts. All hospitalized patients present in, or admitted to, a geriatric unit from June 1 to June 28, for the years 2009, 2012, and 2015 were included and followed until discharge or until June 30 of the year concerned. For each patient, type and dates of stay, type and dates of catheter, risk factors, and nosocomial UTI (NUTI) data were collected. Univariate and multivariate (Cox model) analyses were made using SPSS software. Findings A total of 4669 patients were included and were followed for a total of 83068 days. There were 189 NUTI (4.0% patients). NUTI were significantly more frequent among female patients, in rehabilitation units, in immunosuppressed patients, among those with acute retention, post-void residual, history of urinary tract infection in the previous 6 months, and in case of dependency. NUTI were significantly more frequent among those who had a catheter (Z test, p