RELATION OF AGE, PARITY, AND DURATION OF SUBFERTILITY AS RISK FACTORS FOR ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal death especially in developing countries. Several risk factors for ectopic pregnancy have been identified. The objective of this study was to determine the association of age, parity, and duration of subfertility as risk factors for ectopic pregnancy.
Material & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Gynae C Unit, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan over a period of three years from 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2011, including 150 cases of ectopic pregnancy. After taking detailed history, the association of age, parity, and duration of subfertility as risk factors was assessed. Chi square test was applied to test the statistical significance.
Results: Ectopic pregnancy occurred commonly in patients aged 26-35 years 64(42.6%), while 49(32.6%) patients were 15-25 years and 37(24.6%) >35years. The condition was most frequently seen in multipara 71(47.3%) as compared to primipara 52(34.66%), and grand multipara 27(18.8%). Subfertility of 2-5 years was found in 56(37.3%) patients, 6-10 years in 72(48%), and 11-15 years in 22(14.6%).
Conclusion: Age, parity, and duration of subfertility are the contributing risk factors leading to ectopic pregnancy, especially the age group 26-35 years, multiparity and subfertility duration of 6-10 years.