Determinants of uterovaginal prolapse in Western Ethiopia.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Uterovaginal prolapse is a significant public health concern in developing countries like Ethiopia where access to health care is limited. It significantly affects women's health and productivity. Thus, it is very important to identify determinant factors and take preventive actions.

Methods: A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted on 86 cases and 258 controls who attended gynecologic outpatient departments in Nekemte town from May 1 to July 30, 2019. Cases were women with grade II, III and IV uterovaginal prolapse while controls were women free from uterovaginal prolapse but with other gynecologic diseases. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires, and measurements on height and weight were taken to calculate the women's body mass index. Data were entered using Epi Data version 3.1, and analysis was carried out by SPSS version 20. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

Results: This study revealed age ≥ 40 years (AOR = 10.49; 95% CI: 4.03, 27.35), duration of labor ≥ 24 h (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/m) (AOR = 5.30; 95% CI: 1.83, 15.33) were determinants of uterovaginal prolapse.

Conclusion: Age ≥ 40 years, prolonged labor, instrumental delivery, non-utilization of family planning and underweight were identified as determinant factors of uterovaginal prolapse. Thus, family planning service utilization and appropriate and timely obstetric care are advisable.