Prevalence of episiotomy and associated factors in a highly complex institution in Cali, Colombia, 2022

Introduction: episiotomy is a common but not routine obstetric procedure during delivery care, which over the years has increased. Objective: to determine the prevalence of episiotomy and associated factors in a high complexity institution. Methods: crosssectional study with analytical component, including pregnant women with delivery care during the first semester of the year 2022 in a high complexity clinic in Cali, Colombia. Random sampling was performed with an N 343 deliveries and an error of 4.1%. Relative frequencies were estimated with a 95% CI and measures of central tendency and dispersion according to the distribution of the variable. To evaluate the association and adjust for confounding factors, multiple logistic regression was performed. Results: the prevalence of episiotomy was 37.4% (95% CI: 32.4%- 42.6%), 13.3% (IC 95%: 8.5% 19.7%) in multiparous women and 54.5% (IC 95%: 47.6%- 61.3%) in nulliparous women. The risk factors were: nulliparity OR 8.56 CI 95% (4.6- 15.9), while protective factors were identified as: low birth weight OR 0.21 CI 95% (0.05- 0.82), grade I tear OR 0.08 CI 95% (0.03- 0.22) and grade II tear OR 0.17 CI 95% (0.08- 0.034). Conclusion: the rate of episiotomy was 37.4%, which is outside the parameters established by the World Health Organization, so it is necessary to carry out educational interventions for health professionals to reduce these figures.