Prevalence and burden of symptomatic uterine leiomyomata among women in Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeri

Abstract

Despite high rates of Uterine Leiomyomata (UL) diagnoses found in black women, there is paucity in research. Therefore, this study aimed at estimating the prevalence and burden of symptomatic UL among women in Imo State, Nigeria. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study that was carried out in Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology departments of three hospitals and two diagnostic Centres covering the three senatorial zones in Imo State. The research was based on a convenience sampling of 2965 women within the age group of 16 to 49 that reside in the 3 senatorial zones referred for an ultrasound scan and who met the selection criteria within the period of study. Eligible and consented women responded to the questionnaire and underwent a transabdominal ultrasound. The data were analysed with the statistical program PASW 18 and p values < 0.05 were taken to be statistically significant. Weighted means and percentages were reported and prevalence across the senatorial zones was examined. Symptom burden among women with and without uterine fibroids was compared using weighted logistic regressions. Of 2965 respondents who met study inclusion criteria, a total of 652(22.0%) were diagnosed having UL while 2313 (78.0%) do not have the disease. Hence the overall prevalence of UL at clinics/Diagnostic centres in Imo State was 22%. Uterine fibroids impose a heavy burden on women aged 16–49 years in Imo State. It represents an important gynecologic pathology in women due to its relatively high prevalence and its significant impact on patient’s quality of life.