Screening for urinary abnormalities using the urine dipstick in school-age children in Kisantu, Central Kongo

Abstract

Context and objective. Urinary screening is a useful and inexpensive tool for the early detection of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic children. This might contribute to the prevention of chronic kidney disease later in life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary abnormalities among school children in the town of Kisantu. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, apparently healthy children aged 6 to 16 years were randomly recruited from 7 schools. Using dipstick test, recorded parameters of interest were proteinuria, hematuria, urinary tract infection (defined as nitrite positive and/or leukocyte positive). Logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of urinary abnormalities in this population. Results. Out of 253 children, the prevalence of urinary abnormalities was 51.8% (131/253). Twenty-four (9.5%) presented with hematuria and only 1 (0.4 %) presented with proteinuria on dipstick. Urinary tract infection was found in 123 children (48.6 %). In multivariate regression analysis, female sex emerged as the major determinant of urinary tract infection (OR 2.79, CI 95 % 1.67 – 4.65). Conclusion. This campaign showed the significant presence of urinary abnormalities and more particularly urinary tract infection in apparently healthy children in a rural school setting. Hence the importance of urine screening for prevention and early management of kidney diseases. Received: February 2nd, 2024 Accepted: June 11th, 2024 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v17i4.3