Prevalence of Dystocia its Risk Factors and Complications among the Women of District Buner, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Dystocia, characterized by abnormally slow labor, is a significant cause of primary cesarean delivery globally. It poses serious risks to maternal and neonatal health and is often associated with increased healthcare costs. Despite its prevalence, there is no universal definition of dystocia, making it a complex condition to manage and study. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and complications associated with dystocia among women in District Buner, Pakistan, from September 2021 to September 2022. It also sought to understand the geographic distribution of dystocia cases and the effectiveness of different management strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in various healthcare facilities across District Buner, including DHQ Daggar, Buner Medical Complex Daggar, and Rahman Medical Complex Jowar. A total of 1,527 women with dystocia were examined. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and interviews with healthcare professionals. The study focused on two types of dystocia: labor dystocia and shoulder dystocia. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and complications related to dystocia. Results: The study found that 97.11% of the dystocia cases were labor dystocia, and 2.881% were shoulder dystocia. Dystocia prevalence varied with age: 3.01% in women below 20 years, 2.03% in 20-30 years, and 95.02% in 30-50 years. Nulliparous women accounted for 50.03% of dystocia cases. Geographically, the prevalence of dystocia in different tehsils ranged from 0.98% to 30.58%. Breech presentation was the cause in 3.34% of dystocia cases, transverse presentation in 0.26%, and oblique presentation in 0.72%. Conclusion: The study underscores the high prevalence of labor dystocia in District Buner, especially among nulliparous women and those in the age group of 30-50 years. It highlights the need for enhanced prenatal care and targeted intervention strategies to manage and reduce the risks associated with dystocia.