Surveillance of Uterine Myomata Cases in Tradomedical Centres in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria

Aims: The information relating to uteri myomata in tradomedical centres (TMC) in Benin metropolis, Nigeria are lacking compared with the same from modern hospitals. The aim of this study is to assess the patterns of care for uteri myomata sufferers attending TMC in Benin metropolis. The physical and observational factors (hygiene condition, environment, and herbs preparation for patients) were also studied in each centre.

Study Design: Involved probabilistic (simple random) sampling of attendees from 32 tradomedical centres.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Benn Metropolis, South-southern, Nigeria from June 2015 to December 2016.

Methodology: This study was a probabilistic (simple random) surveillance of 462 women of reproductive age who participated voluntarily using multiple choice questionnaires, while, the physical factors were observed and documented. The statistical software INSTAT+ version 3.3 was used for data analysis while the statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: Majority of participants were aged (31-40), mean age (37.5), median (36.5) and range (19-56) years. In addition, 21/32(65.6%) of TMCs were of poor hygiene conditions, 31/32(96.9%) herbs preparation were unscientific and 19/32(59.4%) operated in an unconducive environment.

Conclusions: Generally the hygiene situations, practising environments and herbs preparation were questionable. The decision to patronise tradomedical centres was majorly by choice, phobia for surgery, and cost of hospitalisation amongst others. Hence, widespread health education on uterine myomata for the general public and amongst traditional birth practitioners is recommended.