Determinants of Prelabor Rupture of Membrane among Pregnant Women Admitted to Hospitals in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Prelabor rupture of membrane refers to rupture of the membranes and leakage of amniotic fluid before the onset of true labor. It can lead to significant maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidities, resulting in mortality and lifelong complications. It complicates 8% to 10% of all pregnancies. Objective: To identify the determinants of prelabor membrane rupture among pregnant women admitted to hospitals in the Wolaita zone in southern Ethiopia in 2022. Methods and Materials: A facility-based, unmatched case-control study was conducted at selected hospitals in Wolaita zone from 15 August to 20 October, 2022. Three consecutive controls were included in the study. The study population included all pregnant women admitted to the selected hospitals. The collected data were coded, cleaned, entered into Epi data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between the outcome and explanatory variables. Result: A total of 384 participants (96 cases and 288 participants) were included in this study. A history of abortion (AOR 3.21 [95% CI: 1.15–8.92]), history of prelabor rupture of membrane (AOR 3.76 [95% CI: 1.46–9.62]), history of caesarean delivery (AOR 3.57 [95% CI: 1.83–6.96]), history of invasive uterine procedures (AOR 6.23 [95% CI: 2.08–18.55]), history of chronic medical conditions (AOR 5.20 [95% CI: 1.18–23.02]), and history of ever using contraceptive methods (AOR 0.33 [95% CI: 0.19–0.58]) were significantly associated. Conclusion: Advancing health technology contributes to the early detection, treatment, and workup of obstetric complications to reduce risk and maximize fetomaternal well-being. Women of reproductive age should be encouraged to use contraceptives.