PREVALENCE OF PRETERM PREMATURE RUPTURES OF MEMBRANE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ADMITTED IN WOLKITE UNIVERSITY SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, GURAGHE ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2021

Abstract

Background: Preterm premature rupture of the membrane is defined as loss of amniotic fluid before the onset of labor in pregnancies before 37 weeks of gestation, which is characterized as a painless flow of fluid that escapes out of the vagina. It complicates approximately 3 percent of pregnancies and leads to one third of preterm births. It increases the risk of prematurity and leads to a number of other perinatal and neonatal complications, including a 1 to 2 percent risk of fetal death. Although the prevalence and associated factors of preterm premature rupture of membrane were well studied in high-income countries, there is a scarcity of evidence in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membrane and associated factors among pregnant women admitted in Wolkite University Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 1st June to 31st June 2021 in Wolkite University specialized hospital. A total of 199 women were included and these study subjects were selected by systematicrandam sampling technique. Data were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Five data collectors and two supervisors wereparticipated in data collection process. Descriptive statistical analysis and some of the statistical tests like the odds ratio were carried out.Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. Statistical significant tests were declared at a level of P value < 0.05. Result: The prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membrane was 6.6%. Having gestational DM [AOR=5.99 (95%CI: 1.01, 32.97]and previous history of abortion [AOR= 5.31(95%CI: 1.06, 26.69]were found to be significantly associated with preterm premature rupture of membrane. Conclusion and recommendations:The prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membrane was low as compared with the previous studies conducted across the world. Similarly, having gestational DM and having previous history of abortion were independent factors associated with preterm premature rupture of membrane. Therefore, the government especially Wolkite University specialized hospitalshould strengthen the health service intervention in conducting community service in reducing the preterm premature rupture of membrane.