Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women attending a tertiary healthcare facility in Accra, Ghana.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate risk factors for ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women attending the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

METHODS

In an unmatched case-control study from September to November 2015, 104 women with ectopic pregnancy (cases) were compared with 208 women with intrauterine pregnancy (controls). Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire and record review. Bivariable analysis was used to compare characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between risk factors and ectopic pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were reported.

RESULTS

Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy were being single (aOR, 5.5; 95% CI, 2.15-14.65), sexual debut at younger than 15 years (aOR, 36.4; 95% CI, 2.49-532.49), multiple sexual partners (aOR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.76-13.36), previous instrumental evacuation of uterus (aOR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.20-27.99); previous diagnosis of infertility (aOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 1.36-27.28), being uninsured (aOR, 11.8; 95% CI, 4.23-32.74), and condom use (aOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 1.36-27.28).

CONCLUSION

Women who were single with early sexual intercourse, multiple partners, instrumental evacuation of the uterus, and diagnosis of infertility were at risk of ectopic pregnancy. Identification of these factors should facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy.