Pattern of Infertility and Socio-demographic Characteristics among Patients with Infertility Attended at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Study

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Hindu I Hussein

Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH), Tanzania

: J Womens Health, Issues Care

Abstract

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Background: Infertility is a global health problem that affects 1 over 6 couples worldwide, leading to significant negative impacts on their quality of life. Despite numerous studies on infertility patterns and socio-demographic characteristics, there remains a lack of clarity on these aspects among patients seeking care in Tanzania. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study aimed to determine infertility patterns and socio-demographic characteristics among 385 randomly selected male and female patients attending at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. Structured interviews using a clinical proforma collected data on the pattern of infertility and socio demographic characteristics of the participants. The analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The findings indicated that the dominant pattern of infertility for both male and female participants was secondary infertility, accounting for 59.00% (228). Multivariate logistic regression analysis for both male and female patients revealed socio-demographic characteristics of infertility: age (38-43) years, AOR 5.068, 95% CI 1.573 16.33, P = 0.007) and duration of cohabiting or marriage of more than 10 years (AOR 0.406, 95% CI 0.189-0.873, P = 0.021). Conclusion: Secondary infertility emerges as the dominant pattern in this study, with advanced age and a duration of cohabiting or marriage of more than ten years being significant socio-demographic factors. Strengthening public health education on appropriate fertility age and enhancing fertility care in public hospitals in Tanzania is recommended.

Biography

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Hindu Ibrahim is a holder of Msc.PH + BscN. Currently services as Ass. Director for research and Innovation at Benjamin Mkapa Hospita l(BMH). She also worked at the Ministry of Health as Program Officer in the Department of Reproductive and Child Health. She prepared and different Guidelines associated with Research, Maternal Health, and Gender Based Violence. Participated in the Establishment of Gender Based Violence in the Tanzania country through capacity building and Guidelines preparations. She also participated in the Management of first Kidney Transplant and pioneer in the health services such as Research, Ant Violence, CCU, ICU, Medical, Surgical and Paediatric at BMH.