Epidemiology and Sociodemographic Predictors of Infertility among Women in Ilorin, North-central Nigeria: A 5-Year Retrospective Longitudinal Study

Abstract Background There are significant variations not only in the incidence and prevalence of infertility but also its sociodemographic determinants among women in Nigeria and globally. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and prevalence of infertility among women attending the Gynaecology Clinics of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period, and to determine the sociodemographic predictors of the type of infertility among them. Methods The study is a 5-year retrospective longitudinal study of women who attended the clinics between 2014–2018. A total of 1163 women’s patient records were eligible for the study. All collected data were analysed using SPSS™ Version 23 statistical software. The incidence rate, and the prevalence per year were calculated and presented. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant predictors of infertility type among the women. Results The calculated incidence rates of infertility during the study period ranged from 2806/ 100,000 women in 2018 to 6918/100,000 women in 2014. The prevalence of infertility during the study period ranged from 6.9% (2014) to 14.4% (2018). The calculated 5-year Cumulative Incidence (or prevalence) for the study period was 14.4%. The burden of secondary infertility cases was twice as that of primary infertility during the study period in total (71.6% vs 28.6%). Conclusions This study reported high burden of infertility and especially secondary infertility in the study area. These findings we hope will provide a foundation for further research and the development of targeted interventions to address infertility in the local context.