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Predictors of Premature Rupture of Membranes among Pregnant Women in Rural Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study at a
Simon Byonanuwe1, Emmanuel Nzabandora1, Baltazar Nyongozi1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Uganda.
Insights
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) affects 13.8% of pregnant women. Preventing urinary tract infections and ensuring advanced gestational age are key to reducing PROM risk.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a significant obstetric complication impacting maternal and fetal health globally.
- Effective management and preventive strategies for PROM are crucial, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PROM in western Uganda.
- To identify key predictors associated with PROM in this population to inform targeted interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2019.
- Data were collected from 334 pregnant women at ≥28 weeks gestation using interviewer-administered questionnaires.
- Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression using STATA 14.2.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of PROM was found to be 13.8% among the study participants.
- A history of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the preceding month was associated with lower odds of PROM (aOR = 0.5).
- Gestational age of 37 weeks or more also showed reduced odds of PROM (aOR = 0.3).
Conclusions:
- Urinary tract infections, lower gestational age, and a history of abortions are significant factors influencing PROM.
- Continuous screening and prompt treatment for UTIs in pregnant women, especially those with a history of multiple abortions and preterm gestations, are recommended.
Background:
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common condition in developed and developing countries and poses a serious threat to the maternal and fetal well-being if not properly managed. This study delineated the prevalence and predictors of PROM in the western part of Uganda so as to guide specific preventive measures.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study design was conducted in the months of September 2019 to November 2019. A total of 334 pregnant women above 28 weeks of gestation admitted at the maternity ward of KIU-TH were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain the data. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted. All data analyses were conducted using STATA 14.2.
Results:
Of the 334 pregnant women enrolled, the prevalence of PROM was found to be 13.8%. The significant independent predictors associated with lower odds of PROM were no history of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the month preceding enrollment into the study (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.22-0.69, p = 0.038) and gestational age of 37 weeks or more (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.14-0.71, p = 0.038) and gestational age of 37 weeks or more (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.14-0.71, p = 0.038) and gestational age of 37 weeks or more (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.14-0.71.
Conclusions:
Majorly urinary tract infections, low gestational age, and abortions influence premature rupture of membranes among women. There is a great need for continuous screening and prompt treatment of pregnant women for UTI especially those with history of 3 or more abortions at less than 34 weeks of gestation.
