Incidence of Uterine Fibroid among Women of Childbearing Age, From 2010 to 2012 in General Hospital Kafanchan, Kaduna State Nigeria

Abstract

This research was conducted in the Obstetric and Gynaecological ward of maternity section in General Hospital Kafanchan, Kaduna state on the incidence of uterine fibroid among women of childbearing age (15 – 45years). A non – experimental historical survey study was adopted and a convenient non probability technique was used to select the sample for the study. Past records were the instrument used for data collection. Distributive techniques using frequency tables and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Uterine fibroid has been a very serious health problem to women of childbearing age for several years, and a major cause of barrenness which could be either via hysterectomy or myomectomy. The study showed a total of 120 patients recorded to have had uterine fibroid within the period of study. Affected age groups were from 30 to 50years in the study, however age 30 to 39years were the age group mostly affected. The average age of those affected was 45years, but statistical analysis showed that age does not really affect prevalence of uterine fibroid; that means uterine fibroid can develop at any age in the life of childbearing women. The main cause is idiopathic but factors such as nulliparous, female hormone, and advancing age from 30 to 40years predisposes women to fibroid. Nevertheless, once women of childbearing age from (15 -45years) are diagnosed with this disease, it should be treated adequately, health education should be given on the disease (uterine fibroid) and it’s possible outcomes; this will help to erase public negative perception on the disease and affected women. The disease can be treated via the use of medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, hormone therapy and surgical intervention. Government should establish hospitals and health centres in all communities in the country for patients with this disease for proper screening and treatment.