Abnormal uterine bleeding and associated factors among reproductive age women in Jimma town, Oromia Region, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormal uterine bleeding is any bleeding that deviates from normal menstruations. It differs in terms of frequency of bleeding, duration, and the pattern of bleeding during menstrual cycle or menopause. It is a major gynecological problem for medical visits among women in the reproductive aged group. However, data on abnormal uterine bleeding in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the abnormal uterine bleeding and associated factors among reproductive age women in Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was employed from 1 January to 30 April 2020. Six hundred sixty women were selected by using systematic random sampling. Data were collected by using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were entered into EPI data version 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 25 software. All predictor’s variables with p value <0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression analysis. Variables with a p value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were taken as statistically significant predictors of abnormal uterine bleeding. Results: Out of 660 participants, 225 (34.1%) had abnormal uterine bleeding. From women with abnormal uterine bleeding, the prevalence of metrorrhagia, heavy periods, oligomenorrhea, inter-menstrual bleeding, polymenorrhea, and amenorrhea was 59 (26.2%), 54 (24%), 53 (23.5%), 46 (20.4%), 35 (15.5%), and 25 (11.1%), respectively. History of abortion (adjusted odds ratio = 1.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–2.41), history of uterine fibroids (adjusted odds ratio = 3.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.85–7.94), history of sexually transmitted infection (adjusted odds ratio = 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.33–3.66), and the history of intrauterine device (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.39–2.97) were significantly associated with abnormal uterine bleeding. Conclusion: The prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding was higher in Jimma town.