PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF UTERINE FIBROIDS IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: A FACILITY-BASED STUDY IN A MEGACITY

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Gynecological Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age.
• They significantly impact reproductive health, quality of life, and work capacity.
• Systematic data on uterine fibroid prevalence and risk factors in Kazakhstan is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of uterine fibroids in women in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
• To identify associated risk factors for uterine fibroids.
• To develop a predictive model for uterine fibroid risk stratification.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 1,200 women aged 18-49 years undergoing gynecological consultation.
• Diagnosis via transvaginal ultrasound and hormonal profile assessment.
• Risk factor analysis using binary logistic regression and ROC curve evaluation (AUC).

Main Results:

• Overall age-standardized prevalence of uterine fibroids was 11.3%, increasing with age.
• Significant risk factors identified: advanced age, elevated BMI, high prolactin, and vitamin D deficiency.
• A predictive model showed high accuracy (AUC=0.929) with 86.2% sensitivity and 78.5% specificity.

Conclusions:

• Uterine fibroid prevalence in Kazakhstan is comparable to global figures.
• The developed predictive model can aid in individual risk assessment and targeted screening.
• Monitoring metabolic and hormonal factors is crucial for reproductive healthcare concerning uterine fibroids.