Prevalence and sonographic patterns of uterine fibroids in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Uterine fibroids are benign tumors which commonly affect women of reproductive age. Ultrasound scan is regarded as the commonly available method of diagnosing and growth monitoring of uterine fibroids. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of uterine fibroids, their sonographic pattern, and their association with body mass index (BMI) among patients undergoing pelvic ultrasound scan. Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among patients in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital's Ethics Committee. Information such as sociodemographic characteristics was recorded in the questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Mindray Digital Ultrasound Imaging System (Model DC6; Shenzhen Mindray Biomed Electronics, Shenzhen, China) was used for the study. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 (SPSS Inc., IL, Chicago, USA). A test of association was computed on the categorical variables using Fisher's exact test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of uterine fibroids was 12.1%. Age group of 36–40 years had the highest number of patients with fibroids (25 [29.8%]). Multiple fibroids of more than two nodules were the findings in almost half of the participants (41 [48.8%]). There was no statistically significant association between the number of fibroid nodules and parity P (Fishers') = 0.474 or BMI P (Fishers') = 0.181. Age group was statistically associated with the number of fibroid nodules P (Fishers') = 0.030. Conclusion: The prevalence of uterine fibroids in this study was high. Mixed echo pattern of fibroid nodules was the predominant finding in this study.