Uterine Fibroids in Tripoli : A Study of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Reproductive Health Outcomes

Abstract

Uterine fibroids (UF) (also called leiomyoma) are one of the commonest female benign tumors, particularly of women of reproductive age. Although, they are very common and affect women widely in a variety of ways, UFs have received very little attention regarding general awareness and epidemiology in Libya. Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of uterine fibroids and evaluate their risk factors and complications in women in Tripoli, Libya. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in gynecology department of Tripoli Medical Centre from February to April 2023. Three hundred women were sampled using convenient sampling method and data was collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire concerning demographic factors, reproductive history, clinic presentation and suspected risk factors. Diagnosis of uterine fibroid was based on clinical records and records available in records section. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 at P < 0.05 significance level. Uterine fibroids occur at 63.3% (190/300) and showed significant correlation with age and between 41-50 age groups of the women. There was also significant correlation with Obesity and mode of delivery. Most of the complaints were abnormal bleeding and heavy menstrual bleeding while infertility was found to be the commonest complication. Conclusion: Uterine fibroids are common in women of Tripoli and are associated with a lot of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors like obesity and age. Awareness and early diagnosis along with effective health education program should be provided to lessen the burden and morbidities related to this disease.