Which group is most at risk for kidney infections?

Women are considered to be at the highest risk for kidney infections due to several anatomical and physiological factors. The female urinary tract is shorter than that of males, which allows bacteria to travel more easily to the kidneys. Additionally, hormonal influences might also contribute to a higher prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, especially during certain life stages such as pregnancy or menopause.

While men over 50 and infants can also be at risk for developing kidney infections, women, particularly of reproductive age, exhibit a significantly higher incidence. Men typically experience higher risks for urinary tract infections when there are existing anatomical abnormalities or prostatic issues. Infants can be at risk due to developmental factors but are not as frequently affected by kidney infections as women are.

Thus, the general understanding in nursing practice emphasizes that women represent the majority of cases for kidney infections, making them the group most at risk in this context.