Abstract:
Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most common reasons that reproductive-aged women seek healthcare and accounts for one-third of outpatient visits to gynecologists. It seriously affects women's quality of life, productivity, and ability to engage in social and professional interactions. However, previously published work on abnormal uterine bleeding used inconsistent definition which results in a difference in prevalence.
Objective: The study aimed to assess abnormal uterine bleeding and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Kombolcha Rejiopolitan Administrative Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 20 to May 20, 2023. Six hundred eight (608) reproductive age women were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. The collected data were checked for completeness and coded, then entered to EPI data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. 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.
Result: A total of 591 women participated in this study, with a response rate of 97.2%. The prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding was 36.5% (95% CI: 33.8-39.3). The most prevalent pattern was heavy menstrual bleeding (22.7%). Late reproductive age (41-49 years) (AOR= 4.18, 95% CI: 2.199– 7.948), late menarche (≥ 15 years) (AOR = 3.82, 95% CI: 2.02–7.241), hypertension (AOR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.106– 12.42), history of Anemia (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.437–6.01), and history of abortion (AOR = 2.345, 95% CI: 1.069-5.147) were independently associated with abnormal uterine bleeding.
Conclusion and recommendation: This study shows that more than one-third of the study participants have experienced abnormal uterine bleeding. Late reproductive age, having a history of late menarche, abortion, anemia, and hypertension were factors associated with abnormal uterine bleeding. Health care providers should focuses on the evaluation of anemia for women who present with abnormal uterine bleeding
