Determinants of Utero-vaginal prolapse in Western Ethiopia

Abstract IntroductionIn Ethiopia, gynecological problems are important health problems affecting maternal health outcomes and women’s productivity. Uterovaginal prolapse is a significant public health concern in developing countries like Ethiopia where access to health care is limited.ObjectiveTo identify determinants of utero-vaginal prolapse among women attending gynecologic outpatient department at public hospitals in Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia, 2019.Methods and materialA hospital based unmatched case-control study was conducted with the total sample of 341 women attending gynecologic outpatient department in Nekemte town, from May 1 to July 30/2019. 86 cases and 258 controls were included in the study. Cases were women with utero-vaginal prolapse while controls were women free from utero-vaginal prolapse but with other gynecologic disease during the same period as of cases. Data were collected using pretested questionnaire and measurement on height and weight was taken to calculate body mass index of women. Data was entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analysis was carried out by SPSS version 24.0. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used and statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.ResultsThis study revealed, age ≥ 40 years (AOR = 10.49; 95%CI: 4.03, 27.35), duration of labor ≥ 24 hours (AOR = 8.32; 95%CI: 3.58, 19.33), instrumental delivery (AOR = 7.40; 95%CI: 1.21, 45.28), non- utilization of family planning (AOR = 3.14; 95%CI: 1.32, 7.47) and underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) 5.30 (AOR = 5.30; 95%CI: 1.83, 15.33) were determinants of utero-vaginal prolapse.Conclusion and RecommendationAge ≥ 40 years, prolonged labor, instrumental delivery, non-utilization of family planning and underweight were identified as determinant factors of utero-vaginal prolapse. Thus, family planning service utilization and appropriate obstetric care are advisable.