Determinants of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at Felegehiwot Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia: a case-control study

Abstract Background The global burden of cancer continues to increase largely because of the aging and growth of the world population alongside an increasing adoption of cancer-causing behaviors. Hence, the purpose of this study was to identify determinants of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer among individuals who were diagnosed at Felegehiwot specialized hospital, North West Ethiopia, 2019.Methods An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted at Felegehiwot Specialized hospital from December 2018 up to June 2019. The sample size calculated using the two population proportion formula with 1:2 cases to control ratio. Then the final sample size was 486, (162cases and 324 controls). The simple random sampling method was employed to catch up with the estimated samples. The collected data entered into Epi-data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were computed. Simple logistic analysis was run (at 95% CI and p-value < 0.05) to identify factors associated with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Result: A total of 486 patients participated. Larger portion of cases (34%) and controls (35.2%) were in the age group of 46-60 years. About 90% of cases and 91% of controls were Orthodox Christian. Having monthly income of < 28 dollar [AOR=2.73; 95% CI (1.8, 4.2)], being male sex [AOR=1.8; 95% CI (1.2, 2.8)], ever had chemical exposure, [AOR=11.9; 95% CI (7.6, 18.8)], had no regular physical exercise [AOR=15.5, 95% CI (5.7, 42.3)] and having hypertension [AOR=0.03; 95% CI (0.005,0.2)], lung disease (COPD) [AOR=0.2; 95% CI (0.06, 0.7)], and other health problems [AOR=0.06; 95% CI (0.01, 0.2)] were the identified root causes for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Conclusions Having low monthly income, being male sex, ever had chemical exposure, not engaged in regular physical exercise and being diabetic patient was at an increased risk for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.