Abstract

Adedokun I. Adegoke* and Abimbola Olorunsola

ABSTRACT

Background: Obstetric fistula is a condition in which the affected woman suffers from psychosocial, emotional and physical health challenges in addition to the direct symptoms and complications of the fistula. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension in obstetric fistula patients. Materials and Method: This a retrospective descriptive study carried out at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, South- East Nigeria. Data were retrieved from the case record of patients and a well –structured pro-forma was used to document information extracted from the case notes of all obstetric fistula patients attended to over a period of one year between August, 2016 and July, 2017.Analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Simple frequencies and percentages were calculated. Result: One hundred and thirteen patients had systolic blood pressure less than 140mmHg accounting for 83% of the total number of patients. Blood pressure was found to be between 140mmHg and 159mmHg in 11% of patients while 5.9% of patients had readings of 160mmHg and above. One hundred and four patients (76.2%) had diastolic blood pressure less than 90mmHg while 13.2% of patients had diastolic blood pressure between 90 and 99mmHg. Blood pressure of 100mmHg was recorded 10.3% of patients.