Abstract
ObjectiveTo identify the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy (EP) in a population of Cameroonian women.Sample and methodsWe performed a matched case-control study; 88 women with diagnosed EP (cases), and 176 women with first trimester intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) (controls), who underwent questionnaires. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and adjusted for potential confounding factors via multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf the fifteen identified risk factors, 4 were independently associated with increased odds of EP: prior pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 13.18; 95% CI 6.19–27.42), followed by current use of levonorgestrel-only pills for emergency contraception (LNG-EC) (AOR 10.15; 95% CI 2.21–46.56), previous use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (AOR 3.01; 95% CI 1.04–8.69) and smoking at the time of conception (AOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.12–6.40).ConclusionThe present study confirms the wide variety of EP’s risk factors. Moreover, some new findings including current use of LNG-EC, previous use of DMPA, smoking at the time of conception are noteworthy. Thus, in our limited resources country where prevention remains the cornerstone for reducing EP chances of occurrence, clinicians should do enough counselling, especially to women with known risk factors. The necessity to facilitate access to more equipment to enable early diagnosis of EP is very crucial and should be seriously considered, in order to reduce the burden of EP in Cameroonian women.
Highlights
Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the main cause of maternal death during the first trimester of pregnancy and accounts for approximately 10% of all pregnancy-related deaths [1,2]
Of the fifteen identified risk factors, 4 were independently associated with increased odds of EP: prior pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), followed by current use of levonorgestrel-only pills for emergency contraception (LNG-EC) (AOR 10.15; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 2.21–46.56), previous use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (AOR 3.01; 95% CI 1.04–8.69) and smoking at the time of conception (AOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.12–6.40)
Given that the mortality and morbidity associated with EP are related to the length of time required for diagnosis, increased awareness and knowledge on its risk could help by providing better prediction and prevention in at risk-women
Summary
To identify the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy (EP) in a population of Cameroonian women. Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files. We performed a matched case-control study; 88 women with diagnosed EP (cases), and 176 women with first trimester intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) (controls), who underwent questionnaires. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and adjusted for potential confounding factors via multivariate logistic regression analysis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
