Analytical study of hysterosalpingographic abnormalities and their predictors among infertile women in Dutse, Northwestern Nigeria.

Abstract

Infertility remains a major reproductive health challenge worldwide, with significant psychosocial and economic impacts on affected couples, particularly in low-resource settings. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a valuable imaging modality in the evaluation of female infertility, as it provides essential information about the uterine cavity and fallopian tube patency. This study analyzed the spectrum and predictors of HSG abnormalities among infertile women in Dutse, Northwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 214 women who underwent HSG between January and December 2024 at the Radiology Department of Rasheed Shekoni Federal University Teaching Hospital (RSFUTH), Dutse. Data on sociodemographic variables, clinical history, and HSG findings were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. The mean age of participants was 31.7 ± 5.9 years, with the highest frequency of infertility observed among women aged 26–35 years. Secondary infertility accounted for 62.1% of cases. The most frequent abnormalities were bilateral tubal blockage (24.8%), unilateral blockage (18.2%), uterine fibroids (9.8%), and hydrosalpinx (5.1%). A statistically significant association was found between duration of infertility and tubal pathologies (p<0.05). The study concludes that tubal abnormalities are predominant causes of infertility in this population. These findings highlight the need for improved infection prevention strategies, timely diagnosis, and accessible reproductive health interventions to reduce infertility-related burden in Northwestern Nigeria.