Original Research

Prevalence and associated risk factors of uterine fibroids in the Kingdom of Eswatini

Vuyisile J. Ginindza, Makandwe Nyirenda, Ropo E. Ogunsakin, Themba G. Ginindza
South African Family Practice | Vol 68, No 1 : Part 3| a6288 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v68i1.6288 | © 2026 Vuyisile J. Ginindza, Makandwe Nyirenda, Ropo E. Ogunsakin, Themba G. Ginindza | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 02 December 2025 | Published: 17 July 2026

About the author(s)

Vuyisile J. Ginindza, Discipline of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Makandwe Nyirenda, Department of Public Health Medicine, Discipline of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
Ropo E. Ogunsakin, Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Ontario, Canada
Themba G. Ginindza, Department of Public Health Medicine, Discipline of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The global burden of uterine fibroids (UFs) has increased from 4.5% to 68.6%, but insufficient data in sub-Saharan Africa limit the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of symptomatic UFs in Eswatini.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study used purposive sampling to enrol 645 women aged 25–64 years old with UFs or symptoms. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with a standardised questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression.
Results: The overall prevalence of UFs was 67.8% (437/645). A higher prevalence was evident in the age group 50 years and older (81.4%) compared to prevalence (33.3%) in the age group 25–29 years. Notably, high prevalence was among people with diabetes (88.5%), widows (80%), those with a primary level of education (79.1%), the obese (76.3%), Depo-Provera (75.6%) and Hhohho (76.3%) participants. The univariate analysis significant association show that: for (1) ages 30–34 years (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.26–4.35, p < 0.007), 35–39 years (OR: 5.08; 95% CI: 2.82–9.36, p < 0.001), 40–44 years (OR: 7.77, 95% CI: 4.19–14.9, p < 0.001), 45–49 years (OR: 5.50; 95% CI: 2.96–10.5, p < 0.001) and 50+ years (OR: 8.80, 95% CI: 4.58–17.6, p < 0.001); (2) primary education (OR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.27–4.84, p = 0.009), and secondary education (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.12–3.18, p = 0.017); (3) been pregnant (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.04–2.23, p = 0.029); (4) obesity (OR: 3.39, 95% CI:2.02–5.70, p < 0.001); and (5) overweight (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.02–2.89, p = 0.044). After adjustments, age remained significantly associated.
Conclusion: Uterine fibroids are highly prevalent and significantly associated with age, underscoring the need for targeted awareness and future research.
Contribution: The study provided insights to inform policy and enhance preventive strategies within the sexual reproductive health programs.


Keywords

uterine fibroids; prevalence; hysterectomy; myomectomy; risk-associated factors; Eswatini

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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