Relationship between Diet, Physical Activity and the Development of Uterine Fibroids

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in muscular wall of uterus. It isclaimed that consuming certain types of food in excess in addition to assuming a sedentarylife style are risk factors for the development of uterine fibroids. Objective: Explore therelationship between diet, physical activity and the development of uterine fibroids. Setting:The study was carried out in the out-patient gynecologic clinic affiliated to ZagazigUniversity Hospital. Subjects: It comprised a purposive sample of 300 women, divided intotwo equal groups (150 each). The study group included women diagnosed with uterinefibroids and the control group included women free from uterine fibroids. Tools: Three toolswere used to collect the necessary data; a structured interview schedule, short-form FoodFrequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).Results: The study revealed that higher consumption of meat and fats is significantlyassociated with an increase risk of uterine fibroids development. While the higher intake ofvegetables, grains and fruits are significantly associated with decrease in development ofuterine fibroids. High physical activity is associated with lower prevalence of uterine fibroids.Conclusion: The higher intake of vegetables, grains and fruits as well as high physicalactivity is associated with lower prevalence of uterine fibroids, and a high intake of meat andfats is associated with a higher prevalence of uterine fibroids. Recommendations:Educational program to nurses working in maternity and gynecological settings about theimportance of teaching women about prevention of uterine fibroids through consuming ahealthy diet and regular performance of physical activity.