PREDISPOSING FACTORS TO INCREASED CASES OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING NDEJJE HEALTHCENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to determine the predisposal factors to increased cases of ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women attending Ndejje Health Centre IV Wakiso district.

Methodology:

The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive study design using a systematic sampling procedure technique as the study technique on a sample size of 50 respondents. In Semi structured questionnaire, data was entered into a computer and analyzed using SPSS and presented using the Microsoft Excel computer program in the form of tables, pie charts, and bar graphs.

Results:

(46%) belonged to the age group of 26-34 years and (78%) were married in general. Regarding Individual factors  (76%) had their first coitus below 16 years of age, (N=47) had less than five sexual partners, (92%) denied this being their first pregnancy, (86%) had more than one child, (82%, N=41) had ever had a life-threatening gynecological condition and  (56%) mentioned Pelvic inflammatory disease. As community-related factors included (92%) in a town setting (94%) denied cigarette smoking (74%) denied taking alcohol and all respondents (100%) denied any cultural surgical practice. Concerning community-related factors: (56%) of respondents agreed to have undergone any surgical operation, (75% N=21) mentioned cesarean section, (64%) agreed to use family planning (59.38%) mentioned injection, (100%) denied having tried to tie their tubes as a family planning method (94% N=47) denied infertility making it weaker risk factor.

Conclusion:

Pelvic inflammatory disease caused by chlamydia and gonococcal infections due to multiple sexual partners, previous gynecological surgeries, and some family planning methods like IUD are the predisposing factors to increased cases of ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women.

Recommendations:

Education of the mass on signs of pelvic inflammatory disease and the dangers of delay in seeking medical treatment. Increased funding of reproductive health and screening and treatment of other gynecological conditions.