Prevalence and Preventive Measures for Fibroid Among Celibate-Women in South-Western, Nigeria

Uterine fibroid has been identified as one of the most prevailing health challenges among African women. Previous studies focused on the prevalence and prevention of fibroid among women in general, especially with regards to the biomedical science perspective. However, little attention has been given to social dimension of this medical condition particularly among Celibate-women. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and prevention of fibroid among Celibate-women, in the Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan, Nigeria. The Data collection technique was triangulated, hence 375 questionnaires were administered on the Celibate-women through a total population sampling technique while key informant interview were conducted for 28 purposively selected respondents. Findings revealed a prevalence rate of 48.0% among the Celibate-women. No specific preventive measure against fibroid was reported; however 48.3% reported that they would have preferred traditional preventive medicine, while 35.2% indicated preference for orthodox medicine. There is high prevalence of fibroid among Celibate-women and its prevention is characterized by uncertainties among this group of women in the Catholic Ecclesiastical province of Ibadan. There is need to sensitize Celibate-women on the risk of fibroid.