Prevalence and associated factors of external hernia among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialised Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of external hernia among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department (OPD) at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialised Hospital (UOGCSH), Northwest Ethiopia. STUDY DESIGN: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 5 April 2020 to 22 June 2020. STUDY SETTING: UOGCSH. PARTICIPANTS: All adult patients above 18 years of age who visited the surgical OPD at the UOGCSH. OUTCOME: Prevalence of external hernia. RESULT: A total of 403 study participants were involved in this study with a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of external hernia was 11.7% (95% CI 8.8% to 15.1%). The epigastric hernia had the highest prevalence 16 (34%), followed by inguinal hernia 14 (29.8%). Old age (adjusted OR (AOR) =2.47, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.78), constipation (AOR 3.67, 95% CI 1.68 to 8.11), chronic cough (AOR 5.18, 95% CI 2.17 to 12.3) and lifting of heavy objects (AOR 7.39, 95% CI 3.36 to 16.2) had a statistically significant association with external hernia. CONCLUSION: Regardless of hardly any significant gender difference, the overall prevalence of external hernia was high. Old age, constipation, chronic cough and lifting of heavy objects were found to have a significant association with an external hernia. Patients who have constipation and cough should get appropriate treatment early.