Abstract / Summary
Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a consequential complication of spinal anesthesia that adversely affects maternal and neonatal well-being. However, evidence regarding its incidence and associated risk factors in the context of cesarean delivery remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence and identify the risk factors for PDPH among parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia between January and March 2025. Institutional based prospective cohort study was conducted at General Hospitals of West Wallaga Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia from January to March 2025. A structured questionnaire and observation checklist was used for data collection. A total of 338 samples were taken and proportionally allocated to all study Hospitals. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 then exported to STATA version 14 and analyzed. Descriptive Statistics were performed and incidence rates were estimated. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors. Results were interpreted using adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 338 study respondents participated in the study. Almost one-third (32.84%) of them experienced Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH). Early ambulation within the first 12 h (AHR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.73–5.12; p < 0.001), monthly income of less than 7500 ETB (AHR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.10–3.51; p = 0.023), using sitting position during spinal anesthesia administration (AHR = 3.96; 95% CI: 2.08–7.51; p < 0.001) and two or more CSF drops during lumbar puncture (AHR = 6.64; 95% CI: 3.50-12.58; p < 0.001). One-third (32.84%) of the participants experienced post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). Early ambulation (within the first 12 h), monthly income less than 7500 ETB, sitting position during administration of SA and more CSF leakage was statistically significant predictors. Encouraging lateral position during spinal anesthesia, optimize technique to minimize CSF leakage. Not applicable.