International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumours affecting the female reproductive system, representing a significant global public health burden. Despite their high prevalence, particularly during reproductive years, fibroids often remain underdiagnosed or poorly managed due to cultural, social, and systemic barriers.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the socio-clinical characteristics, prevalence, and associated risk factors of uterine fibroids among women.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using clinical records. Data were collected on patient demographics, age at menarche, parity, anthropometric indices, clinical presentations, and uterine size. Statistical analysis was performed using P=0.05.
Results: The highest prevalence of fibroids was observed among women aged 40-64years, 50.4%, closely followed by 22-39 years, 48.6% with a significant decline post-menopause. Early menarche (Before age 12) and nulliparity were strongly associated with increased fibroid risk. Although 64% of fibroid cases occurred in nulliparous women. Clinical presentations included menorrhagia (38.1%), abdominal mass (28.7%), and infertility (26.2%), consistent with classic fibroid symptoms. Over 60% of cases had a significantly enlarged uterus (12-30 weeks gestational size). 25.3% of women presented more than three years after symptom onset. Age and multiparity were the only statistically significant risk factors; anthropometric measures, such as BMI and weight, showed no significant association.
Conclusion: Uterine fibroids remain a prevalent and impactful gynaecological condition, especially among women of African descent. Age and nulliparity are key risk factors, while delayed diagnosis exacerbates the disease burden. Enhanced public awareness, early screening, and accessible treatment options are crucial in mitigating the reproductive and psychosocial consequences of fibroids in resource-limited settings.