Ruptured uterus in a Nigerian community: a study of sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors.
BACKGROUND
Ruptured uterus is a common obstetric emergency in Nigeria, associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There is a need for definitive identification of the risk factors to guide effective interventions to curb its scourge.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors for ruptured uterus in Benin City, Nigeria, and based on this, make appropriate recommendations toward curbing the incidence and morbidity and mortality associated with it.


METHODS
Sociodemographic and obstetric variables in 51 women with ruptured uterus and 300 randomly selected hospital controls from the general obstetric population were compared. Fisher's exact test was used to determine statistical significance between proportions.


RESULTS
The incidence of ruptured uterus was 1 in 426 deliveries. The risk factors found were low socioeconomic class (OR = 6.8, CI = 3.6-12.9), being unbooked for antenatal care (OR = 10.4, CI = 5.4-20.0), grand multiparity (OR = 8.7, CI = 4.0-19.1), and prolonged obstructed labor (OR = 35.3, CI = 15.3-81.6).


CONCLUSIONS
Measures that promote education and economic empowerment of women and the utilization of modern antenatal care will reduce the prevalence of rupture of the uterus in the community.
Ebeigbe
Peter N
PN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. petedidi2000@yahoo.co.uk
Enabudoso
Ehigha
E
Ande
Adedapo B A
AB
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008499:Medical Records; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014597:Uterine Rupture / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*