Nulliparity, Delayed Child Birth and Obesity: Potential Risk Factors for Development of Uterine Fibroid in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Causes of fibroid are still unknown. Despite series ofcytogenetic investigations, the uncertainty remains as to the primary orsecondary genetic changes and their impact on the initiation orpromotion of fibroid development.Purpose: To determine the effect of obesity, nulliparity and delayedchild birth on the occurrence of uterine fibroid.Materials and Methods: A prospective sonographic survey wascarried out in a population of women in South-South region of Nigeria.Ultrasound scan was performed in 240 randomly selected women aged20 – 45 years, presenting for scans at the time of study. Subjects’ agesand reproductive history was obtained to ascertain their parity statusand ages at which parous women had their first children.Results: Results showed a weak positive association (r = 0.1; p<0.05)between uterine fibroid and delayed child birth and nulliparity at 31-35years. A strong positive association (r = 0.9; p<0.05) was observed at36 – 45 years. There was no statistically significant associationbetween low, normal and high body mass index with uterine fibroidhowever, a significant association (r = 0.85; p<0.05) was observedwith obesity.Conclusion: Delayed child birth and nulliparity after 36 years of ageappeared to be the most potent risk factor for uterine fibroid in thepopulation studied.