Abstract:
Background: Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) has been a problem for patients after dural puncture. It is
one of the most frequently occurring complications following spinal anesthesia (SA). It is believed to originate from
persistent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the punctured Dura, greater than the CSF production after
lumbar puncture. Although the problem has been widely reported, its magnitude and associated factors has never
been studied in our country. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of post dural puncture headache
(PDPH) and associated factors after spinal anesthesia among patients in university of Gondar referral and teaching
hospital.
Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted from February 25-April 10, 2013 in University
of Gondar teaching and referral hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. A total of 116 patients aged 17-74 years were included in
the study. Data was collected by interviewing patients using structured and pre-tested questionnaire and reviewing
chart. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine the association between post
dural puncture headache and independent variables.
Results: Out of 116 patients who have undergone spinal anesthesia 45 (38.8%) patients developed post dural
puncture headache. Sex [AOR=0.2; 95% CI: 0.058, 0.67], repeated attempts [AOR=0.22; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.54], and
needle sizes [AOR=5.3; 95% CI: 1.66, 16.93] were found to be significantly associated with Post Dural puncture
headache.
Conclusion: Prevalence of post dural puncture headache was found to be high among patients in the University
of Gondar teaching and referral hospital after spinal anesthesia (SA). The hospital management and the
anesthetists of University of Gondar teaching and referal hospital should minimize the incidence of post dural
puncture headache by avoiding use of big needles and repeated attempt especially on female patient
