Perception of Health Workers on Risk Factors associated with Development of Uterine Fibroids in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the uterus that can cause a swollen abdomen, pelvic pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding the factors that predispose women to fibroids is therefore important for reducing their incidence. This study examined the risk factors associated with the development of fibroids as perceived by health workers in selected health facilities in Ilorin Metropolis. Specifically, the study investigated whether (i) obesity, (ii) family history, and (iii) lifestyle are perceived as risk factors of uterine fibroids among health workers in health facilities in Ilorin Metropolis. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised health workers in selected health facilities across Ilorin West and Ilorin South Local Government Areas of Ilorin Metropolis. A multi stage approached was use to select a total sample of 215 respondents. A researcher-developed questionnaire, validated by experts and tested for reliability using the test retest method, was used for data collection; a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.77 was obtained. The questionnaire was administered by the researcher with the assistance of two research assistants. Demographic data were analysed using frequency counts and percentages, while the Chi-square test was used to test the study hypotheses at the 0.05 alpha level. The findings revealed that: Obesity is significantly perceived as a risk factor of uterine fibroids, as the calculated Chi-square value of 314.69 is greater than the critical value of 21.03 (df = 12, α = 0.05). Family history is significantly perceived as a risk factor of uterine fibroids, as the calculated Chi-square value of 198.15 is greater than the critical value of 16.92 (df = 9, α = 0.05). Lifestyle is significantly perceived as a risk factor of uterine fibroids, as the calculated Chi-square value of 129.54 is greater than the critical value of 21.03 (df = 12, α = 0.05). Based on these findings, it was concluded that obesity, family history, and lifestyle are significantly perceived as risk factors of uterine fibroids by health workers in health facilities in Ilorin Metropolis. It was recommended that public health educators organise targeted community education and awareness programmes that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management, in order to reduce obesity rates and the associated risk of fibroid development among women in Ilorin Metropolis.