The risk factor profile of women with secondary infertility: an unmatched case-control study in Kigali, Rwanda
2011

Risk Factors for Secondary Infertility in Women in Rwanda

Sample size: 496 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dhont Nathalie, Luchters Stanley, Muvunyi Claude, Vyankandondera Joseph, De Naeyer Ludwig, Temmerman Marleen, van de Wijgert Janneke

Primary Institution: International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Hypothesis

What are the risk factors associated with secondary infertility in women in Kigali, Rwanda?

Conclusion

Obstetric events, HIV, and other STIs contribute approximately equally to secondary infertility in Rwanda.

Supporting Evidence

  • Women in secondary infertile relationships were more likely to have had the first pregnancy before age 21.
  • A history of unwanted pregnancy was significantly associated with secondary infertility.
  • Presence of HIV and STIs was more common in women with secondary infertility compared to fertile women.
  • Obstetric events contributed significantly to the risk of secondary infertility.

Takeaway

This study found that many women in Rwanda have trouble getting pregnant again after having a child, often due to health issues from past pregnancies or infections.

Methodology

A case-control study comparing women with secondary infertility to multiparous fertile women, using structured interviews and laboratory tests.

Potential Biases

Potential underreporting of induced abortions and selection bias in recruiting participants.

Limitations

The study may not be generalizable to the entire population of Kigali, and the response rate among women in infertile relationships is unknown.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 21-45 years, with 177 cases of secondary infertility and 219 controls who were multiparous and recently delivered.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

aOR = 2.56, CI = 1.63-4.02

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6874-11-32

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