Episiotomy Practice and its Associated Factor among Women Who Gave Birth at Public Health Institutions of Akaki Kality in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Episiotomy is defined as perineum enlargement incision during the second stage of labor to increase the diameter of vaginal outlet to facilitate baby birth. It is commonly practiced procedure in obstetrics and the rate of episiotomy varies widely worldwide. To assess the magnitude of episiotomy practice and its associated factors among women who gave birth at public health institutions of Akaki Kality, 2017/2018. Method: A facility based cross-sectional study design using a quantitative method was used to conduct this study from March 2 to April 30/2018 GC. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants for the assessment. A total of 381 selected mothers by systematic random sample technique in public health institution of Akaki Kality sub city A.A, Ethiopia to examine sets of variables using questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model to identify factors associated with the outcome variable and the result was presented using the OR as well as AOR with the corresponding 95% CI. Results: In this study among the participants the prevalence of episiotomy was found to be 134 (35.2%). Urban residence [AOR=2.947 (1.321, 6.572)], face presentation [AOR=15.972 (2.289, 111.440)] birth attendant (when doctors attend)[AOR=11.187 (1.917, 65.285), duration of second stage of labor, who stayed above 2 h [AOR=11.167 (2.567, 48.588)], prim parity [AOR=15.031 (6.369, 35.475)] and weight above 4000 g [AOR=26.343 (26.159, 265.289)] were factors significantly associated with episiotomy. Conclusion: The prevalence of episiotomy in this study was relatively high (35.2%) as compared to recommended practice by WHO (10%), developing stratagem, guideline and periodic training on regarding the indication of episiotomy should be provided and more efforts should be made to reduce the rate of episiotomy, to improve wellbeing and quality of women’s life.