In-hospital prevalence and aetiologies of female infertility in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Our aim was to determine the hospital prevalence and aetiologies of infertility in couples in the city of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection in 15 health facilities in the city of Ouagadougou. It included women aged 18-49 years whose husbands were aged 18-60 years and who attended a gynaecology clinic. Cases of artificial sterility were excluded. A total of 6,642 cases were analysed. The mean age was 29.69 (95% CI: 29.5 1; 29.87) years. Of the women, 75% were married and 74% were monogamous. The average duration of life as a couple was 64.52 (95% CI: 57.22; 7 1.81) months. The desire to have children was the second most common reason for consultation (26r "i5%; CI95% :25.'.n ; 27.80) after breast problems. The overall hospital prevalence rate for infertility was 17.76% (CI95%: 16.81; 18.75), including 8.57% (CI95%: 7.90; 9.31) for primary infertility. Infertility was concentrated among women aged 25-35. Prevalence rates of infertility have remained stable over the last 10 years. An aetiological transition appears to be taking place from infectious to anatomical causes.

English

We aimed at updating the in-hospital prevalence rate of infertility among couples in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a retrospective data collection. We collected hospital registry data from 15 health care centers. Women aged 18 - 49 years living with an 18 - 60-year old partner and visiting gynecology unit were included. Artificial sterility cases were excluded. Overall, 6 982 patients were included and 6 642 analyzed. The mean age of participants was 29.69 (95% CI: 29.5 1; 29.87) years. 75% and 74% were married and monogamous respectively. The mean duration of life in couple was 64.52 (95% CI:57.22; 71.8 1) months. The need of child was the second most important reason (26.55%; 95% CI: 2533; 27 .80) to visit a gynecologist after breast diseases. Overall, the prevalence rate of infertility was 17.76% (95% CI: 16.81; 18.75) of which 8.57% (95% CI: 7.90; 9.31) were primary infertility. It was concentrated among the 25 - 30 years age group. The overall prevalence rate of infertility remained stable over the last decade. However, an et1ologica l transition is seemingly in progress from infectious causes to anatomical abnormalities.