Clinics in Mother and Child Health

Abstract

Prevalence of Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Associated Factors in Arba Minch General Hospital, Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Gemechu Kejela, Shimelis Getu, Tadla Gebretsdik and Tesfaye Wendimagegn

Background: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) are common symptoms experienced during pregnancy. Both mild and severe symptoms can have significant morbidities and socioeconomic impact. Despite its frequency and associated distress, its exact cause is unknown. No significant study was done addressing this particular important issue in our country and our globe as well and this study will serve as a bench mark for future work on the topic.
Objective: To assess prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated factors in women attending antenatal care in Arba Minch general hospital.
Methods and materials: A descriptive facility based cross-sectional study was done in Arbaminch general hospital. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 183 admitted pregnant women. Descriptive statistic was used to summarize data. SPSS 20 is used to analyse the data.
Results: The prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum was 8.2%. It was found out that 80% had symptoms in the 1st trimester, 2.1% continue to have it after 1st trimester, and 85% were triggered by smell and taste.
Conclusions and recommendations: Prevalence and associated factors of hyperemesis gravidarum in this study are similar to other studies. Sensory stimuli were major trigger of symptoms.