Prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membrane and associated factors among pregnant women admitted in hiwot fana comprehensive specialized university hospital, eastern ethiopia
BACKGROUND: Preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) affects approximately 3% of all pregnancies and is responsible for one-third of all preterm births. Despite its contribution to maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, evidence on the burden of PPROM and its associated factors in the study area is scarce. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of PPROM among preterm pregnancies managed from May 2019 to September 2020 at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 449 preterm pregnancies selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data related to socio-demographic variables, obstetric and reproductive health conditions, and labor and related pregnancy outcomes were extracted from their medical records using a structured checklist. Factors associated with PPROM were identified using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression. Association was presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI). P-value <0.05 in the final model was considered as statistically significant.RESULTS: Of 449 preterm pregnant women included in the study, 64 (14.3%; 95% CI:11.1% -17.5%) had PPROM. Preterm PROM was significantly associated with urinary tract infections (AOR=6.33; 95% CI:3.26-12.29), vaginal bleeding (AOR=2.62; 95% CI:1.23-5.57), history of abortion (AOR= 3.07; 95% CI:1.33-7.06) and mid upper arm circumference <23 (AOR=7.06; 95% CI: 4.02-12.43). A total of 3 (4.3%) stillbirth and 16 (22.9%) early neonatal deaths occurred corresponding with a gross perinatal mortality rate of 271 per 1000 births.CONCLUSION: This study showed that one in seven preterm pregnancies in eastern Ethiopia had PPROM. Urinary tract infection, vaginal bleeding, previous history of abortion, and undernutrition were associated with PPROM. Early screening and treatment of urinary tract infections and nutritional assessments are essential to reduce the risk of PPROM.</p
