Second trimester post-abortion family planning uptake and associated factors in 14 public health facilities in Central Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Post-abortion family planning counselling and provision are known high impact practices preventing unintended pregnancies. Little is known, however, about specific needs in the second trimester. Our study aims to assess post-abortion family planning uptake and its associated factors among women with second-trimester incomplete abortion. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1191 women with incomplete second trimester abortion that received treatment at 14 comprehensive emergency obstetric care public health facilities in central Uganda from August 2018 to November 2021. We computed the post-abortion uptake of family planning within 2 weeks of treatment, described the types of methods accepted, and the reasons for declining family planning. We described the socio-demographic, reproductive, abortion-related, and health facility characteristics. We used mixed effects generalized linear models to obtain percentage differences for factors independently associated with post-abortion family planning uptake. RESULTS: Second-trimester post-abortion family planning uptake was 65.6%. Implants (37.5%) and progestin only injectables (36.5%) were the commonly chosen methods; natural (0.1%), permanent (0.8%), and condoms (4%) were the least chosen methods. 45.2% of the women who declined family planning desired another pregnancy soon. Women whose spouses were aware of the pregnancy or had planned pregnancy had 11% (- 10.5, 95% CI - 17.1 to - 3.8) and 12% (- 11.7, 95% CI - 19.0 to - 4.4) less uptake compared to women whose spouses were not aware of the pregnancy or those with unplanned pregnancies respectively. Uptake was 8% (- 7.8, 95% CI - 12.6% to - 3.0%) lower among Islamic women compared to Anglicans. Women who received post-abortion family planning counselling or had more than four live births had 59% (59.4, 95% CI 42.1 to 76.7) and 13% (13.4, 95% CI 4.0 to 22.8%) higher uptake compared to women who did not receive counselling or women with no live births, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The uptake of second-trimester post-abortion family planning in Uganda was higher than previous estimates. Post-abortion family planning counselling, grand multiparity, and the need to avoid an unplanned pregnancy enhance post-abortion family planning uptake in the second trimester. Ministry of Health should strengthen post-abortion family planning counselling, especially couple counselling; at all health facilities in the country and also ensure an adequate and accessible supply of a wide contraceptive method mix.

Evaluating women's acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating task sharing in postabortion care have mainly focused on women in first trimester and many lack a qualitative component. We aimed to evaluate patient acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians and also gained a deeper understanding of the patients' lived treatment experiences in Uganda. METHODS: Our mixed methods study combined 1140 structured interview data from a randomized controlled equivalence trial and in-depth interviews (n = 28) among women managed with misoprostol for second trimester incomplete abortion at 14 public health facilities in Uganda. Acceptability, our main outcome, was measured at the 14-day follow-up visit using a structured questionnaire as a composite variable of: 1) treatment experience (as expected/ better than expected/ worse than expected), and 2) satisfaction - if patient would recommend the treatment to a friend or choose the method again. We used generalized mixed effects models to obtain the risk difference in acceptable post abortion care between midwife and physician groups. We used inductive content analysis for qualitative data. RESULTS: From 14th August 2018 to 16th November 2021, we assessed 7190 women for eligibility and randomized 1191 (593 to midwife and 598 to physician). We successfully followed up 1140 women and 1071 (94%) found the treatment acceptable. The adjusted risk difference was 1.2% (95% CI, - 1.2 to 3.6%) between the two groups, and within our predefined equivalence range of - 5 to + 5%. Treatment success and feeling calm and safe after treatment enhanced acceptability while experience of side effects and worrying bleeding patterns reduced satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol treatment of uncomplicated second trimester incomplete abortion was equally and highly acceptable to women when care was provided by midwives compared with physicians. In settings that lack adequate staffing levels of physicians or where midwives are available to provide misoprostol, task sharing second trimester medical PAC with midwives increases patient's access to postabortion care services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03622073.

Approximately 9.6% of abortion-related deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. These deaths can be prevented if unintended pregnancies are avoided, women can access safe abortions within the expectations of the country's laws, and post abortion care (PAC) services are provided equitably. Previous research shows that women with abortion complications in the first trimester of pregnancy can be treated with misoprostol by either midwives or physicians. This sharing of tasks between the midwives and physicians is safe, effective, and acceptable. However, there is a gap in evidence on task sharing in the second trimester. To check practicability of task sharing in second trimester, we aimed to evaluate patient acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians and also gained a deeper understanding of the patients' lived treatment experiences. Our study therefore combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. Women's acceptability of misoprostol treatment for incomplete second trimester abortion was found to be equally acceptable when provided by midwives compared with physicians. Treatment success, feeling calm and safe after treatment increased acceptability, while experience of side effects and worrying bleeding patterns reduced satisfaction. Counselling of women may address some of these problems since it provides reassurance and reduces anxiety. In settings that lack adequate staffing levels of physicians or where midwives are available to provide misoprostol, task sharing second trimester medical PAC with midwives increases patient's access to PAC services.

Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion with misoprostol provided by midwives and physicians: a randomised, controlled, equivalence trial in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: To address the knowledge gaps in the provision of post-abortion care by midwives for women in the second trimester, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of treatment for incomplete second trimester abortion with misoprostol, comparing care provision by midwives with that provided by physicians in Uganda. METHODS: Our multicentre, randomised, controlled, equivalence trial undertaken in 14 health facilities in Uganda recruited women with incomplete abortion of uterine size 13-18 weeks. We randomly assigned (1:1) women to clinical assessment and treatment by either midwife or physician. The randomisation sequence was computer generated, in blocks of four to 12, and stratified for study site. Participants received sublingual misoprostol (400 µg once every 3 h for up to five doses). The study was not concealed from the health-care providers and study participants. Primary outcome was complete abortion within 24 h that did not require surgical evacuation. Analysis was per-protocol and intention to treat; the intention-to-treat population consisted of women who were randomised, received at least one dose of misoprostol, and reported primary outcome data, and the per-protocol population excluded women with unexplained discontinuation of treatment. We used generalised mixed-effects models to obtain the risk difference. The predefined equivalence range was -5% to 5%. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03622073. FINDINGS: Between Aug 14, 2018, and Nov 16, 2021, 1191 eligible women were randomly assigned to each group (593 women to the midwife group and 598 to the physician group). 1164 women were included in the per-protocol analysis, and 530 (92%) of 577 women in the midwife group and 553 (94%) of 587 women in the physician group had a complete abortion within 24 h. The model-based risk difference for the midwife versus physician group was -2·3% (95% CI -4·4 to -0·3), and within our predefined equivalence range (-5% to 5%). Two women in the midwife group received blood transfusion. INTERPRETATION: Clinical assessment and treatment of second trimester incomplete abortion with misoprostol provided by midwives was equally effective and safe as when provided by physicians. In low-income settings, inclusion of midwives in the medical management of uncomplicated second trimester incomplete abortion has potential to increase women's access to safe post-abortion care. FUNDING: Swedish Research Council and THRiVE-2.

Contraceptive uptake and associated factors among women in the immediate postpartum period at Kawempe Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Within Africa, contraceptive use is low although about 214 million women who are not using contraception want to avoid pregnancy. In Uganda, modern contraceptive uptake is at 35% resulting in unwanted or unplanned pregnancies which may increase morbidity and mortality among children and mothers. Contraceptive uptake at 6 weeks postpartum is encouraged but it is not very effective since there is low attendance during this visit. Additionally, some women may have become sexually active by the visit at 6 weeks postpartum leading to early conception. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine contraceptive uptake in the immediate postpartum period and the associated factors among women delivering at Kawempe Hospital. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional study design where 397 women aged 18-49 years were recruited using systematic random sampling. The women who were discharged within 72 h after delivery were considered. Data collection was done using an interviewer-administered data collection tool. Data was double entered into EpiData version 4.2 and analyzed using STATA version 13 at univariate using descriptive statistics then at bivariate and multivariate levels using logistic regression with contraceptive uptake as the outcome. RESULTS: We enrolled 397 participants. Their mean age range was 18-45 years and a median of 25 years (IQR 22, 30). The majority of the participants, 333 (83.88%), were married and 177 (44.58%) were housewives or unemployed. Contraceptive uptake in the immediate postpartum period among these participants was 15.4% (61/397). The factors independently associated with immediate postpartum contraceptive uptake were grand multiparity (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.11-5.95; p = 0.028), cesarean delivery (aOR = 2.63; 95% CI 1.24-5.57; p = 0.011), and prior contraceptive counseling during Antenatal (aOR = 9.05; 95% CI 2.65-30.93; p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a 15.4% contraceptive uptake among immediate postpartum women which is very low. The factors independently associated with immediate postpartum contraceptive uptake were grand multiparity, cesarean section, and prior contraceptive counseling during antenatal care. Efforts need to be made to improve contraceptive uptake among immediate postpartum mothers such that the high unmet need for contraception is reduced and short inter-pregnancy intervals are controlled.

Exploring health care providers' experiences of and perceptions towards the use of misoprostol for management of second trimester incomplete abortion in Central Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: Women living in low- and middle-income countries still have limited access to quality second trimester post abortion care. We aim to explore health care providers' experiences of and perceptions towards the use of misoprostol for management of second trimester incomplete abortion. METHODS: This qualitative study used the phenomenology approach. We conducted 48 in-depth interviews for doctors and midwives at 14 public health facilities in central Uganda using a flexible interview guide. We used inductive content analysis and made code frequencies based on health care provider cadre, and health facility level and then abstracted themes from categories. RESULTS: Well trained midwives were perceived as competent to manage second trimester post abortion care stable patients, however doctor's supervision in case of complications was considered important. Sometimes, midwives were seen as offering better care than doctors given their stronger presence in the facilities. Misoprostol received unanimous support and viewed as: safe, effective, cheap, convenient, readily available, maintained patient privacy, and saved resources. Challenges faced included: side effects, prolonged hospital stay, treatment failure, inclination to surgical evacuation, heavy work load, inadequate space, lack of medical commodities, frequent staff rotations which affects the quality of patient care. To address these challenges, respondents coped by: giving patients psychological support, analgesics, close patient monitoring, staff mentorship, commitment to work, team work and patient involvement in care. CONCLUSION: Misoprostol is perceived as an ideal uterine evacuation method for second trimester post abortion care of uncomplicated patients and trained midwives are considered competent managing these patients in a health facility setting with a back-up of a doctor. Health care providers require institutional and policy environment support for improved service delivery.

Abortion-related near-miss morbidity and mortality in 43 health facilities with differences in readiness to provide abortion care in Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: With a view to inform policy for improved postabortion care, we describe abortion-related near-miss and mortality by sociodemographic risk factors and management options by pregnancy trimester in Uganda. METHODS: This secondary data analysis used an adapted WHO near-miss methodology to collect cross-sectional maternal near-miss and abortion complications data at 43 health facilities in Central and Eastern Uganda in 2016-2017. We computed abortion severe morbidity, near-miss and mortality ratios per 100 000 live births, and described the proportion of cases that worsened to an abortion near-miss or death, stratified by geographical region and trimester. We tested for association between independent variables and abortion near-miss, and obtained prevalence ratios for association between second trimester near-miss and independent demographic and management indicators. We assessed health facility readiness for postabortion care provision in Central and Eastern regions. RESULTS: Of 3315 recorded severe abortion morbidity cases, 1507 were near-misses. Severe abortion morbidity, near-miss and mortality ratios were 2063, 938 and 23 per 100 000 live births, respectively. Abortion-related mortality ratios were 11 and 57 per 100 000 in Central and Eastern regions, respectively. Abortion near-miss cases were significantly associated with referral (p<0.001). Second trimester had greater abortion mortality than first trimester. Eastern region had greater abortion-related morbidity and mortality than Central region with facilities in the former characterised by inferior readiness to provide postabortion care. CONCLUSIONS: Uganda has a major abortion near-miss morbidity and mortality; with mortality higher in the second trimester. Life-saving commodities are lacking especially in Eastern region compromising facility readiness for postabortion care provision.

Effects of the Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth training on near miss morbidity and mortality in Uganda: A cluster-randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth training on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) near miss and case fatality rates in Uganda. METHODS: Training was evaluated using a cluster-randomized design between June 2016 and September 2017 in 18 typical rural districts (clusters) in Eastern and Central Uganda of which nine districts were randomly assigned to the intervention. The main outcome was PPH near miss defined using the World Health Organization's disease and management-based approach. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to estimate the difference in the change of outcomes. RESULTS: Outcomes of 58 000 and 95 455 deliveries during the 6-month baseline and 10-month endline periods, respectively, were included. A reduction of PPH near misses was observed in the intervention compared to the comparison districts (difference-in-difference of slopes 4.19, 95% CI, -7.64 to -0.74); P<0.05). There was an increase in overall reported near miss cases (difference-in-difference 1.24, 95% CI, 0.37-2.10; P<0.001) and an increase in PPH case fatality rate (difference-in-difference 2.13, 95% CI, 0.14-4.12; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This pragmatic cluster-randomized trial conducted in typical rural districts of Uganda indicated a reduction of severe PPH cases while case fatality did not improve, suggesting that this basic training needs to be complemented by additional measures for sustained mortality reduction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PACTR201604001582128.

Rethinking the definition of maternal near-miss in low-income countries using data from 104 health facilities in Tanzania and Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the consistency of maternal near-miss incidence and mortality index between two definitions across 104 facilities in Tanzania and Uganda. METHODS: Based on WHO guidance, cross-sectional near-miss data were collected in Tanzania (July 2015 to October 2016) and Uganda (June 2016 to September 2017). Prepartum hemorrhage and abortion were included as additional screening events and the number of blood units transfused was recorded. Near-miss incidence and mortality index were determined by using two near-miss definitions: the WHO standard definition, and a modified definition including women receiving at least 1 unit of blood. A sensitivity analysis excluded the additional screening events. RESULTS: Near-miss incidence differed between Tanzania and Uganda (1.79 and 4.00, respectively, per 100 deliveries) when estimated by the standard definition, but was similar (5.24 and 4.94, respectively) by the modified definition. The mortality index was higher in Tanzania than in Uganda when estimated by the standard definition (8.56% vs 3.54%), but was similar by the modified definition (3.10% vs 2.89%). CONCLUSION: The modified definition provided a more consistent estimate of near-miss incidence and mortality index. Lowering the threshold for units of blood transfusion might improve comparability between settings, but more research is needed.

Evaluating the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of treatment of incomplete second-trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians: study protocol for a randomized controlled equivalence trial.

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of abortion-related mortality and morbidity occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy. The Uganda Ministry of Health policy restricts management of second-trimester incomplete abortion to physicians who are few and unequally distributed, with most practicing in urban regions. Unsafe and outdated methods like sharp curettage are frequently used. Medical management of second-trimester post-abortion care by midwives offers an advantage given the difficulty in providing surgical management in low-income settings and current health worker shortages. The study aims to assess the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of treatment of incomplete second-trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians. METHODS: A randomized controlled equivalence trial implemented at eight hospitals and health centers in Central Uganda will include 1192 eligible women with incomplete abortion of uterine size > 12 weeks up to 18 weeks. Each participant will be randomly assigned to undergo a clinical assessment and treatment by either a midwife (intervention arm) or a physician (control arm). Enrolled participants will receive 400 µg misoprostol administered sublingually every 3 h up to five doses within 24 h at the health facility until a complete abortion is confirmed. Women who do not achieve complete abortion within 24 h will undergo surgical uterine evacuation. Pre discharge, participants will receive contraceptive counseling and information on what to expect in terms of side effects and signs of complications, with follow-up 14 days later to assess secondary outcomes. Analyses will be by intention to treat. Background characteristics and outcomes will be presented using descriptive statistics. Differences between groups will be analyzed using risk difference (95% confidence interval) and equivalence established if this lies between the predefined range of - 5% and + 5%. Chi-square tests will be used for comparison of outcome and t tests used to compare mean values. P ≤ 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Our study will provide evidence to inform national and international policies, standard care guidelines and training program curricula on treatment of second-trimester incomplete abortion for improved access. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03622073 . Registered on 9 August 2018.

Disentangling the contributions of maternal and fetal factors to estimate stillbirth risks for intrapartum adverse events in Tanzania and Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the stillbirth risk associated with intrapartum adverse events, controlling for fetal and maternal factors. METHODS: The present study was an analysis of cross-sectional patient-record and facility-file data from women with viable fetuses who experienced obstetric adverse events at 23 hospitals and 38 health centers in Tanzania (between December 2015 and October 2016), and 22 hospitals, 16 level-4 health centers, and five level-3 health centers in Uganda (between May 2016 and September 2017). Adverse events were categorized in three severity groups (postpartum, intrapartum non-near-miss, and intrapartum near-miss) to calculate stillbirth rates and adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Data from 3816 women in Tanzania and 8305 in Uganda were included. Compared with postpartum adverse events, intrapartum near-miss was associated with a 3.73- and 4.55-fold higher prevalence of stillbirth in Uganda and Tanzania, respectively. Most women who experienced near-miss had organ dysfunction on arrival or developed it soon after. The risk of stillbirth was higher among preterm deliveries compared with term deliveries, and was 42% and 59% lower in Tanzania and Uganda, respectively, for cesarean deliveries compared with vaginal deliveries after intrapartum non-near-miss adverse events. CONCLUSION: Stillbirth risk increased with severity of complications and was higher among premature deliveries. Survival was higher for cesarean deliveries in intrapartum non-near-miss complications, identifying the opportunity to prevent deterioration by timely actions.

Evaluating the effect of the Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth (HMS BAB) training in Tanzania and Uganda: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum haemorrhage complicates approximately 10% of all deliveries and contributes to at least a quarter of all maternal deaths worldwide. The competency-based Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth (HMS BAB) training was developed to support evidence-based management of postpartum haemorrhage. This one-day training includes low-cost MamaNatalie® birthing simulators and addresses both prevention and first-line treatment of haemorrhage. While evidence is accumulating that the training improves health provider's knowledge, skills and confidence, evidence is missing as to whether this translates into improved practices and reduced maternal morbidity and mortality. This cluster-randomised trial aims to assess whether this training package - involving a one-day competency-based HMS BAB in-facility training provided by certified trainers followed by 8 weeks of in-service peer-based practice - has an effect on the occurrence of haemorrhage-related morbidity and mortality. METHODS/DESIGN: In Tanzania and Uganda we randomise 20 and 18 districts (clusters) respectively, with half receiving the training intervention. We use unblinded matched-pair randomisation to balance district health system characteristics and the main outcome, which is in-facility severe morbidity due to haemorrhage defined by the World Health Organizationation-promoted disease and management-based near-miss criteria. Data are collected continuously in the intervention and comparison districts throughout the 6-month baseline and the 9-month intervention phase, which commences after the training intervention. Trained facility midwives or clinicians review severe maternal complications to identify near misses on a daily basis. They abstract the case information from case notes and enter it onto programmed tablets where it is uploaded. Intention-to-treat analysis will be used, taking the matched design into consideration using paired t test statistics to compare the outcomes between the intervention and comparison districts. We also assess the impact pathway from the effects of the training on the health provider's skills, care and interventions and health system readiness. DISCUSSION: This trial aims to generate evidence on the effect and limitations of this well-designed training package supported by birthing simulations. While the lack of blinding of participants and data collectors provides an inevitable limitation of this trial, the additional evaluation along the pathway of implementation will provide solid evidence on the effects of this HMS BAB training package. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR201604001582128 . Registered on 12 April 2016.

Women's Acceptability of Misoprostol Treatment for Incomplete Abortion by Midwives and Physicians - Secondary Outcome Analysis from a Randomized Controlled Equivalence Trial at District Level in Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess women´s acceptability of diagnosis and treatment of incomplete abortion with misoprostol by midwives, compared with physicians. METHODS: This was an analysis of secondary outcomes from a multi-centre randomized controlled equivalence trial at district level in Uganda. Women with first trimester incomplete abortion were randomly allocated to clinical assessment and treatment with misoprostol by a physician or a midwife. The randomisation (1:1) was done in blocks of 12 and stratified for health care facility. Acceptability was measured in expectations and satisfaction at a follow up visit 14-28 days following treatment. Analysis of women's overall acceptability was done using a generalized linear mixed-effects model with an equivalence range of -4% to 4%. The study was not masked. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.org, NCT 01844024. RESULTS: From April 2013 to June 2014, 1108 women were assessed for eligibility of which 1010 were randomized (506 to midwife and 504 to physician). 953 women were successfully followed up and included in the acceptability analysis. 95% (904) of the participants found the treatment satisfactory and overall acceptability was found to be equivalent between the two study groups. Treatment failure, not feeling calm and safe following treatment, experiencing severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding following treatment, were significantly associated with non-satisfaction. No serious adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of incomplete abortion with misoprostol by midwives and physician was highly, and equally, acceptable to women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01844024.

Comparison of treatment of incomplete abortion with misoprostol by physicians and midwives at district level in Uganda: a randomised controlled equivalence trial.

BACKGROUND: Misoprostol is established for the treatment of incomplete abortion but has not been systematically assessed when provided by midwives at district level in a low-resource setting. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of midwives diagnosing and treating incomplete abortion with misoprostol, compared with physicians. METHODS: We did a multicentre randomised controlled equivalence trial at district level at six facilities in Uganda. Eligibility criteria were women with signs of incomplete abortion. We randomly allocated women with first-trimester incomplete abortion to clinical assessment and treatment with misoprostol either by a physician or a midwife. The randomisation (1:1) was done in blocks of 12 and was stratified for study site. Primary outcome was complete abortion not needing surgical intervention within 14-28 days after initial treatment. The study was not masked. Analysis of the primary outcome was done on the per-protocol population with a generalised linear-mixed effects model. The predefined equivalence range was -4% to 4%. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01844024. FINDINGS: From April 30, 2013, to July 21, 2014, 1108 women were assessed for eligibility. 1010 women were randomly assigned to each group (506 to midwife group and 504 to physician group). 955 women (472 in the midwife group and 483 in the physician group) were included in the per-protocol analysis. 452 (95·8%) of women in the midwife group had complete abortion and 467 (96·7%) in the physician group. The model-based risk difference for midwife versus physician group was -0·8% (95% CI -2·9 to 1·4), falling within the predefined equivalence range (-4% to 4%). The overall proportion of women with incomplete abortion was 3·8% (36/955), similarly distributed between the two groups (4·2% [20/472] in the midwife group, 3·3% [16/483] in the physician group). No serious adverse events were recorded. INTERPRETATION: Diagnosis and treatment of incomplete abortion with misoprostol by midwives is equally safe and effective as when provided by physicians, in a low-resource setting. Scaling up midwives' involvement in treatment of incomplete abortion with misoprostol at district level would increase access to safe post-abortion care. FUNDING: The Swedish Research Council, Karolinska Institutet, and Dalarna University.

Urologic complications among women with advanced cervical cancer at a tertiary referral hospital in Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with urologic complications among women with advanced cervical cancer before treatment in Uganda. METHODS: In total, 283 women with histologically confirmed stage IIB-IVB cervical cancer who were admitted to Mulago Hospital over a 6-month period were studied. Abdominopelvic scan was carried out to check for hydronephrosis and hydroureter and to measure the tumor volume. Serum creatinine and urea levels were measured, and the presence of anuria and vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) was ascertained from self-reporting and clinical records. RESULTS: Urologic complications were present in 138 (48.8%) women. Hydronephrosis, VVF, hydroureter, and anuria were present in 112 (39.6%), 21 (7.4%), 11 (3.9%), and 9 (3.2%) women, respectively; serum creatinine and urea levels were elevated in 48 (17.0%) women. Stage of disease was significantly associated with urologic complications: stage IIIB odds ratio (OR) 3.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-7.20); stage IVA OR 17.10 (95% CI, 6.07-48.16); P<0.001. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of urologic complications among women with advanced cervical cancer; these complications are significantly associated with the stage of cervical cancer.