ArticleBioMed research international2026
Episiotomy Use in a Low-Income Setting: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Maternal Outcomes Among Vaginal Births at a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia.
Article in BioMed research international, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveTo estimate episiotomy prevalence, identify independently associated factors, and describe maternal outcomes among vaginal births at a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia.
methodsWe conducted a retrospective cross-sectional review of 306 sampled records of women with eligible vaginal births at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 1 to February 28, 2023. Variables with a bivariable p < 0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Perineal outcomes were compared by episiotomy status using unadjusted analyses.
resultsEpisiotomy was documented in 141 births (46.1%). Higher odds of episiotomy were associated with no documented antenatal care (AOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.10-3.57), second-stage duration of at least 1 h (AOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.52-4.81), postterm birth (AOR 9.73, 95% CI 1.92-49.16), and birth weight of at least 2500 g (AOR 3.46, 95% CI 1.25-9.57). Lower odds were associated with multiparity, documented comorbidity, preterm birth, and absence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Documented second-degree tears were more frequent among women with episiotomy than among those without it (22.7% versus 11.5%; unadjusted OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.21-4.19).
conclusionEpisiotomy was common and associated with several measured maternal and intrapartum characteristics. Because the maternal-outcome comparison was unadjusted and susceptible to confounding by indication, it does not establish that episiotomy caused perineal injury. The findings support restrictive, protocol-based use and regular institutional audit.
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