Abstract:
Objectives This study was aimed to assess the
prevalence and associated factors of external hernia
among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient
department (OPD) at the University of Gondar
Comprehensive Specialised Hospital (UOGCSH), Northwest
Ethiopia.
Study design Institution-based cross-sectional study was
conducted from 5 April 2020 to 22 June 2020.
Study setting UOGCSH.
Participants All adult patients above 18 years of age who
visited the surgical OPD at the UOGCSH.
Outcome Prevalence of external hernia.
Result A total of 403 study participants were involved in
this study with a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of
external hernia was 11.7% (95% CI 8.8% to 15.1%). The
epigastric hernia had the highest prevalence 16 (34%),
followed by inguinal hernia 14 (29.8%). Old age (adjusted
OR (AOR) =2.47, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.78), constipation (AOR
3.67, 95% CI 1.68 to 8.11), chronic cough (AOR 5.18,
95% CI 2.17 to 12.3) and lifting of heavy objects (AOR
7.39, 95% CI 3.36 to 16.2) had a statistically significant
association with external hernia.
Conclusion Regardless of hardly any significant gender
difference, the overall prevalence of external hernia was
high. Old age, constipation, chronic cough and lifting of
heavy objects were found to have a significant association
with an external hernia. Patients who have constipation
and cough should get appropriate treatment early.
