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@article{201217,
        author = {Athota Suneetha and Dr.k. Dhana lakshmi},
        title = {Importance of personal hygiene practices in preventing urinary tract infections – a study reference to pregnant women in Andhra Pradesh affected by UTI},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {2908-2911},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=201217},
        abstract = {Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain one of the most prevalent bacterial infections globally, disproportionately affecting women due to anatomical factors. While antimicrobial therapy is the cornerstone of treatment, recurrent UTIs contribute to antibiotic resistance and reduced quality of life. Personal hygiene practices serve as a primary, cost-effective, and non-pharmacological strategy for prevention by minimizing bacterial ascension from the perineal area into the urinary tract. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from clinical guidelines (CDC, AUA) and recent studies on key hygiene interventions, including front-to-back wiping, genital cleaning techniques, post-coital voiding, and clothing choices. Findings underscore that consistent hygiene education by nurses can significantly reduce UTI incidence and recurrence. Implications for nursing practice, patient education, and future research are discussed.},
        keywords = {Urinary tract infections, personal hygiene, prevention, perineal care, nursing education, women’s health},
        month = {May},
        }