DETERMINANTS OF PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN VISITED LABOR WARD IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, GEDEO ZONE,SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Abstract Background: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) defined as breakage of the chorioamniotic membrane as a result passing a gush of fluid through birth canal before the onset of true labor. Though the prevalence of premature rupture of membrane varies country to country, it complicates 4 to 10% pregnancies worldwide. It has overwhelming effect both maternal and neonatal health. Neonates born from woman with premature rupture of membrane had high risk of respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and prematurity. Even though many interventions implemented to tackle it the problem still persisted. Objective: This study was intended in identifying determinants of premature rupture of membrane among pregnant women who have visited labor wards of four hospitals found in Gedeo zone Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Hospital-based unmatched case control study was conducted from February 25 to May20, 2020. Data were collected among 75 cases and 223 controls using face-to-face interviews. Cases were recruited consecutively as they have arrived study hospital and every six pregnant women after the cases admitted to the ward were recruited as controls. Data were entered into Epidata 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS 20. Bivariate and Multivariable logistic regression used to check association between dependent and independent variables, statically significance declared at p-value < 0.05. Result A total of 75 cases and 223 controls were enrolled in the study. Hypertension during index pregnancy [AOR= 2.807(95% CI: 1.09-7.23)], history of abortion [AOR= 3.7(95% CI: 1.41-9.73)], history of caesarean section [AOR= 3.46(95% CI: 1.34-8.9)] and history of PROM [AOR= 4.77 (95% CI: 2.31-9.89)] were determinants of premature rupture of membranes. Conclusion hypertension during index pregnancy, history of abortion, history of PROM and history of cesarean section has an association with premature rupture of membrane. The result of the study suggests early identifying who had bad obstetric history and treatment of hypertension in pregnant women lessens the risk of premature rupture of membrane.