Prevalence of obstetric fistula in Malawi

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of obstetric fistula in Malawi and explore the potential risk factors for developing the condition. Methods A community survey was conducted in 9 districts in Malawi, recruiting 3282 women aged at least 12 years using the sibling based method to identify...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2010-06, Vol.109 (3), p.204-208
Main Authors: Kalilani-Phiri, Linda V, Umar, Eric, Lazaro, Dorothy, Lunguzi, Juliana, Chilungo, Abdallah
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Case-Control Studies
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Delivery. Postpartum. Lactation
Female
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Health Surveys
Humans
Malawi
Malawi - epidemiology
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Obstetric fistula
Obstetric Labor Complications - epidemiology
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pregnancy
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Time Factors
Vesicovaginal Fistula - epidemiology
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of obstetric fistula in Malawi and explore the potential risk factors for developing the condition. Methods A community survey was conducted in 9 districts in Malawi, recruiting 3282 women aged at least 12 years using the sibling based method to identify cases of obstetric fistula. Hospital records from 9 district hospitals involved in the community survey and all hospitals offering fistula repair services in Malawi were reviewed. Results A total of 1107 women with obstetric fistula were identified: 575 from the community survey and 532 from hospital records. Median age was 29 years (range, 12–89 years). The prevalence of obstetric fistula was 1.6 per 1000 women. Women endured the condition for a median duration of 3 years. Comparison of women with and without obstetric fistula revealed significant differences in age ( P = 0.02), occupation ( P < 0.01), and tribal origin ( P = 0.02), but no differences in education level ( P = 0.73) or religion ( P = 0.08). Conclusion Obstetric fistula remains a major problem in Malawi. Increased awareness of the condition, improvement of maternal care services, and an increase in skilled personnel to perform fistula repair are needed to reduce the burden of this condition.
ISSN:0020-7292
1879-3479
DOI:10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.12.019