Abstract
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Abstract; Background Spinal anaesthesia is a cost effective anaesthesia technique commonly used for abdominal procedures like caesarean sections. The incidence of post dural puncture headaches (PDPH) which is one of the most reported complications) remains unknown in Uganda. We set out to study the incidence of PDPH and associated factors following spinal anaesthesia in mothers delivering by caesarean section in Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methods Prospective cohort study among 1294 women that received spinal anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section delivery from July 2015 to February 2016. Consecutive sampling was applied to recruit participants. Pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demographics and associated factors. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used with a P value of 0.05 and confidence interval of 95% being considered statistically significant. Results The incidence of PDPH was found to be 48.8% (n=239/1294) (95%CI: 46.0-51.6). Significant factors associated with PDPH were history of spinal anaesthesia OR 1.3 95% CI (1.0-1.6) p=0.04 and loss more than 500mls of blood during surgery OR 2.2, 95% CI (1.1-4.2) P=0.02. Conclusion Results from our study indicate high incidence of PDPH women undergoing spinal anesthesia for Caesarean section. Prior exposure to spinal anesthesia and blood loss of more than 500mls are the major associated factors. There is need to objectively screen women at risk for PDPH prior to caesarean section and institute appropriate interventions.