Determinants of obstetric fistula in South-western Ethiopia

Introduction and hypothesis Obstetric fistula, despite improved obstetric care, remains a real threat to poor women in rural Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that predispose women to obstetric fistula in South-western Ethiopia. Methods An unmatched case-control study design wa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Urogynecology Journal 2021-09, Vol.32 (9), p.2505-2510
Main Authors: Tilahun, Temesgen, Sura, Belina, Merdassa, Emiru
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Birth control
Fistula
Gynecology
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Obstetrics
Original Article
Pregnancy
Prenatal care
Rural areas
Urology
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Summary:Introduction and hypothesis Obstetric fistula, despite improved obstetric care, remains a real threat to poor women in rural Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that predispose women to obstetric fistula in South-western Ethiopia. Methods An unmatched case-control study design was employed in which 48 cases (women with obstetric fistula) and 188 controls (women without obstetric fistula) were included. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and organized using Epidata version 3.1. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0. Adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence level, and p -values were used as the main measure of association. Results The study revealed that age at pregnancy of < 18 years (AOR = 5, 95% CI = 2–13), residing in rural areas (AOR = 4, 95% CI 1.6–11), lack of antenatal care (AOR = 5, 95% CI 2–14), no history of modern contraception utilization (AOR = 5, 95% CI = 2–13), post-term pregnancy (AOR = 8, 95% CI 3–22), and duration of labor > 24 hours (AOR = 4, 95% CI 2–9) were associated with obstetric fistula. Conclusions The majority of fistula survivors were teenagers who were living in rural areas. Mothers having no antenatal care, not using modern contraception, having a post-term pregnancy, and having prolonged labor were at increased risk of developing obstetric fistula. Thus, delaying the age of first pregnancy, improving access to basic obstetric care, and advocating the use of modern contraceptive methods are crucial for teenage women residing in rural areas.
ISSN:0937-3462
1433-3023
DOI:10.1007/s00192-021-04690-5