Failed induction of labor and its associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Failed induction increased maternal morbidity and mortality due to the associated complication which comes with cesarean section such as post partum hemorrhage and sepsis. The reports of previous articles on the proportion and associated factor of failed induction were variable and inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis found out that the pooled proportion of failed induction and its associated factors in Ethiopia.

Systematic search was done by online databases (Pub Med, Web of Science, Google scholar and HINARI, and Ethiopian universities digital libraries). Unpublished studies that are found in the Ethiopian universities' digital libraries were used for this systematic review and meta-analysis study. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and then exported to STATA 11 version statistical software for analysis. Heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic. The pooled proportion of failed induction and the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval was showed using forest plots.

The overall proportion of failed induction was 23.58 % (95% CI: 13.72-33.44). Unfavorable Bishop Score [OR = 4.45, 95CI:2.44,8.12 ] intermediate Bishop Score [OR = 8.87, 95CI:4.62,17.05 ] and being primiparous woman [OR = 3.04, 95CI:1.74,5.53 ] were factors associated with failed induction of labour.

The prevalence of failed induction was high in Ethiopia. Unfavorable Bishop Score, intermediate Bishop Score, and primiparous were significantly associated with failed induction. Proper pelvis assessment for Bishop Score will be considered prior to initiating the induction of labor. Beside to this, the health professionals shall be aware of the relevance of cervical ripening for intermediate and unfavorable Bishop Score for pregnant women's before induction of labor.