Prevalence and associated factors of external hernia among adult patients visiting the Surgical Outpatient Department in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Northwest Ethiopia, 2020

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hernia is a protrusion of part of the contents of the abdominal cavity through a weakness in the abdominal wall. Globally, external hernias are the most common surgical condition affecting all age groups regardless of sex. It is estimated that more than 20 million hernias are operated each year. But studies that determine the magnitude and the risk factors are limited. Therefore, documentation of the magnitude and risk factors of external hernia has paramount importance to the policymakers, clinical practitioners, and the society at large. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of external hernia among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Northwest Ethiopia, from February to May 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select a total of 403 participants. The data were collected using interviewer-guided structured questionnaires then entered using EPI DATA version 3.1 and exported to the STATA 14 for analysis. A Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval was used as a measure of association. Variables having P-value < 0.05 from the multivariable analysis were considered to have a significant association with the outcome. Result: Out of the 403 study participants, 47(11.7%) (95%CI; 8.8, 15.1) had external hernia. Epigastric hernia was with the highest prevalence 16 (34%). Old age (AOR=2.47, 95% CI; 1.06, 5.78), constipation (AOR=3.67, 95% CI; 1.68, 8.11), chronic cough (AOR=5.18, 95% CI; 2.17, 12.3) and lifting of heavy objects (AOR=7.39, 95% CI; 3.36, 16.2) were found to have a statistically significant association with external hernia. Conclusion Regardless of hardly any significant gender difference, the overall prevalence of external hernia was high. Of the studied variables, old age, constipation, chronic cough, and lifting of heavy objects were found to increase the odds of having external hernia. Screening for early identification and intervention of external hernia, especially for risk groups is better to be practiced by health professionals