This was an index case control study on risk factors for perineal tear in our setting of KNRH. The risk factors for perineal tear in this setting were- maternal age of 20 years or more, primiparity, a single marital status of a woman, precipitate labour, assisted vaginal delivery, fetal weight ≥3.5kg, active first stage of labour ≥8 hours, second stage of labour duration > 1 hour and delivery by assistant nursing officer. In our study, women who were aged 20 -30 years were 7.2 times more likely to get a perineal tear during vaginal delivery, compared to those below 20 years. The risk was even greater for women aged more than 30 years (AOR= 7.83). The results could be due to reduced distensibility during labour and delivery among parturients 20-30 years of age. With advancing age reduction in estrogen levels of a woman has been linked to qualitative reduction of perineal muscle strength, hence the likelihood of sustaining a tear [23]. Advanced maternal age as risk factor for perineal tear has been reported in other studies [24], [25]. The observation highlights the need for vigilance on preventive measures and special precautions during delivery for women risk.
Marital status was a significant risk factor. In this case being single was a risk factor for perineal tear. The likelihood of experiencing a perineal tear was 14.39 times among women of a single marital status compared to those who were married. This could be due to the fact that women who are unmarried are deprived of the psychosocial, emotional and economical support during pregnancy, labour and delivery resulting into anxiety, stress, loss of confidence and tension during throughout pregnancy and labour. Maternal anxiety and tension has been associated with increased risk for perineal tear due to increased tension in the pelvic muscles [8], [16].
Primiparity was a risk factor for perineal tear. The risk for perineal tear was 12.46 times more likely when a woman was primiparous compared to a multiparous counterpart. This could be due to minimal level of elasticity and flexibility among nulliparous compared to the multiparous group [26]. The observation highlights the need to sensitize all primiparous women during ANC about the importance of delivering under a skilled birth attendant. Several other studies have reported similar findings [6], [27], [25].
Precipitate labour was risk factor for perineal tear. This has been attributed to the fact that rapid labour progression provides no room for sufficient distension and compliance of the perineum [16]. The findings highlight the need for health workers to anticipate and diagnose precipitate labour promptly for timely preventive measures. This observation was also reported in others studies [13], [16].
Also, assisted vaginal delivery was identified as a risk factor. The odds of getting a perineal tear was 8.33 times when a woman had vacuum assisted delivery compared to a normal delivery. This could be attributed to the mechanical effect of the device to the perineum during extraction of the fetal head. The outcome could also dependent on to the user technique and experience. Inappropriate placement and choice of the cup type and size has been associated with high failure rates and perineal injury [28]. This observation highlights the need for good skills and precautions while conducting the procedure. The findings were in agreement with reports from other studies [6], [9], [29].
Newborn birth weight of ≥3.5kg was a risk factor. The risk of getting a perineal tear was 2.19 times more likely when fetal weight was ≥ 3.5kg. This could be due to the increased likelihood of cephalopelvic disproportion associated with a big fetus. The findings remind us of the need to always estimate the fetal weight during antenatal clinic visits, labour and time of admission.
Understanding the estimated fetal weight before delivery allows special precautions against perineal tears. Furthermore, a decision may be made to deliver a mother with fetal macrosomia by caesarean section. Similar findings have been reported in other studies [30], [10].
Duration of active first stage of labour ≥ 8 hours was a risk factor for perineal tear. The odds for sustaining a perineal tear was 15 times more likely when active first stage of labour was ≥ 8 hours. Protracted labour duration has been associated with reduced optimal tissue distention and compliance, hence the observed odds for perineal injury [16]. The findings highlight the need for a mandatory, effective monitoring of labour progress with partograph and timely interventions. The possible interventions could be fluid administration, rupture of membranes, bladder drainage among others. Similar findings have been reported in other studies [11], [16] .
Duration of second stage of labour >1 hour was also a risk factor for perineal tear. The odds of having a perineal tear was 10 times higher when second stage of labour exceeded one hour. This could be explained by the increase of genital tract edema which prevents optimal distention and compliance during descent of the presenting part [16]. This observation has clinical implications regarding current clinical practices as it highlights the need for effective monitoring of all mothers in labour. The close monitoring is to allow timely diagnosis of abnormal progress for specific intervention. Similar findings were also highlighted in several studies [11], [9], [10].
Delivery by assistant nursing officer (Nursing Officer); was an independent risk factor for perineal tear. This could be due to the fact that highly qualified midwives tend to handle the more complicated referred cases hence exposed to interventions known to carry extra risk for tears. In our setting, most pregnant women who are referred, tends to undergo obstetric interventions such as labour augmentation with oxytocin, episiotomy or instrument delivery which further increases their risk for perineal tear [9]. Important to note, personal behavior, altitude, skills and experience a birth attendant in this context could influence the delivery outcomes. Hence, although well qualified, assistant nursing officers may not have the relevant experience in midwifery compared to their counterparts (enrolled midwives). The findings highlight the need to provide continuous medical education to health workers in this context. This was contrary to previous studies where high qualification was associated with reduced risk for perineal tear [31], [8], [11].
Our study revealed that augmentation of labour with oxytocin was not a risk factor for perineal tear contrary to other studies [5]. This was concurrent to other studies [32], [27]. However, another study with a large sample size may be conducted to determine the effect of oxytocin augmentation of labour on occurrence of perineal tears. Also episiotomy was not a risk factor for perineal tear contrary. The observation was concurrent with other studies which highlighted that episiotomy especially the mediolateral episiotomy was protective against perineal tear [9], [18]. Also, fetal head circumference ≥ 35cm was not a risk factor for perineal tears. The results were contrary to studies done in other countries [33], [34]. This was a surprise finding because a large head circumference would be expected to increase risk of perineal injuries. Another study with larger sample size could be conducted to evaluate effect of head circumference on perineal tears.
Study limitations
It was difficult to establish a significant relationship for some variables such as face presentation occiput posterior due to lack of enough power. Previous studies have indicated that these factors increase the risk for perineal tear. Also being a hospital-based study, most of the patients were referrals so the findings may not be generalizable to the entire county population.