PREVALENCE OF ABNORMAL SEMINAL FLUID AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING FERTILITY CLINICS IN OSOGBO: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a global health issue that affects millions of couples worldwide, In Nigeria, the prevalence of infertility is particularly high underscoring the need for a better understanding of the factors contributing to male infertility at which Seminal Fluid Analysis (SFA) is the most important characteristics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of abnormal seminal fluid and its associated factors among patients attending fertility clinics in Osogbo, Nigeria. Methods and Findings: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used among male patients attending fertility centers in Osogbo, Osun State. Fisher's formula (n=z^2pq/d^2) was used to determine the sample size. 305 respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Patients who consented to the study were also made to undergo seminal fluid analysis. The results were analysed using IBM Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics was used for all variables. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were done at p<0.05 as level of significance. Majority of the respondents, 257 (84.3%) had at least one abnormality of Seminal fluid. Multiple regression analysis revealed that respondents who were habitual drunkard were about five times more likely to have at least one abnormality in their seminal fluid (OR: 4.990, p: 0.004, C.I.: 1.688-14.749) and smokers were three times more likely to have at least one abnormality in their seminal fluid (p=0.005, OR=3.300 and C.I=1.396-4.273). Also, respondents with history of sexually transmitted infection were 3.5 times more likely to have at least one abnormality in their seminal fluid (p=0.039, OR=3.595 and C.I=1.072-14.146). Conclusions: The study observed high prevalence of abnormal seminal fluid which was significantly associated with lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol as well as previous history of sexually transmitted infection. The study recommended that advocacy program for healthy lifestyle, early screening and public health education will further reduce the burden of abnormal seminal fluid and by implication, infertility among couples.