Urinary tract infection as a triggering factor for imminent preterm labor at RSUD Haji, East Java Province

Imminent preterm labor (Partus Prematurus Iminen/PPI) is a condition characterized by the threat of preterm delivery between >20 and <37 weeks of gestation. One of the most suspected triggering factors is urinary tract infection (UTI), which causes inflammation and prostaglandin release, thereby increasing uterine contractions. This study aims to analyze whether UTI acts as a triggering factor in the occurrence of PPI at RSUD Haji, East Java Province. This analytical observational study employed a case-control design with a 1:1 ratio. A total of 160 medical records were collected from January to March 2024, consisting of 80 PPI cases and 80 matched controls. Chi-square test and Odds Ratio (OR) analysis were used to evaluate the statistical association. Among the women with PPI, 55% were diagnosed with UTI, while only 8.3% of the control group had UTI. The statistical analysis revealed a strong association between UTI and PPI (p<0.001; OR=23.222), indicating that pregnant women with UTI are 23 times more likely to experience PPI. UTI is significantly associated with the incidence of imminent preterm labor. Early detection and prompt treatment of UTI during pregnancy are essential strategies to reduce the risk of preterm birth. This research contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, especially in maternal and neonatal health.