1
|
Bulndi LB, Bayes S, Adama E, Ireson D. North-central Nigerian women's experiences of obstetric fistula risk factors and their perceived treatment services: An Interpretive Description. Women Birth 2023; 36:454-459. [PMID: 36868989 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An obstetric fistula also known as vesico vaginal fistula (VVF), or recto-vaginal fistula (RVF) is an abnormal opening between the urogenital tract and intestinal tract caused by prolonged obstructed labour; when the head of the baby presses on the soft tissues in the pelvis leading to loss of blood flow to the women's bladder, vagina, and rectum. This can cause necrosis of the soft tissues resulting in debilitating fistula formations. AIM This study aimed to uncover North-central Nigerian women's experiences of obstetric fistula and their perceived treatment services. DESIGN Qualitative, interpretive descriptive methodology underpinned by symbolic interactionism involving face-to-face semi-structured interviews was used to explore North-central Nigerian women's experiences of obstetric fistula and their perceived treatment services. SAMPLE A purposive sample of 15 women who had experienced obstetric fistula at a repair Centre in North-central Nigeria were eligible. RESULTS Four themes emerged from North-central Nigerian women's experiences of obstetric fistula and their perceived treatment services i) I was left alone in the room ii) Waiting for the one vehicle in the village iii) I never knew about labour until that very day iv) and We kept following the native doctors and sorcerers. CONCLUSION The findings from this study highlighted the depth of women's experiences from the devastating complication of childbirth injury in North-central Nigeria. Analysis of insights from women's voices directly affected by obstetric fistula demonstrated that in their views and experiences the themes identified were majorly responsible for their fistula status. Thus women need to raise their collective voices to resist oppressive harmful traditions and demand empowerment opportunities that will improve their social status. Government should improve primary healthcare facilities, train more midwives and subsidise maternal care for antenatal education and birth services spending for childbirth women may result in improved childbirth experiences for women in rural and urban communities. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Reproductive women call for increased accessibility to healthcare services and the provision of more midwives to mitigate obstetric fistula in North-central Nigerian communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Babatunde Bulndi
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia; The Centre for Evidence-Informed Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care Practice: A JBI Affiliated Group, Australia.
| | - Sara Bayes
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia; The Centre for Evidence-Informed Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care Practice: A JBI Affiliated Group, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine (Melbourne), Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic 3065, Australia
| | - Esther Adama
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia; The Centre for Evidence-Informed Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care Practice: A JBI Affiliated Group, Australia
| | - Deborah Ireson
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia; The Centre for Evidence-Informed Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care Practice: A JBI Affiliated Group, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Woldegebriel AG, Gebrehiwot GG, Desta AA, Ajemu KF, Berhe AA, Woldearegay TW, Ghebremedhin KD, Bezabih NM. Factors associated with obstetric fistula among reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a community based case control study. Reprod Health 2023; 20:78. [PMID: 37221586 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01622-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetric fistula is a major public health concerns in Ethiopia. It is the most devastating cause of all maternal morbidities. METHOD Data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) was analyzed. A community-based unmatched case control study was conducted. Seventy cases and 210 non cases were selected using random number table. Data were analyzed by using STATA statistical software version 14. Multivariable logistic regression model was applied to determine the factors associated with fistula. RESULTS The majority of fistula cases were from rural residences. The multivariable statistical model showed that rural residence (Adjusted OR (AOR) = 5, 95% CI 4.26, 7.52), age at first marriage (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI 2.83, 4.60), poorest wealth index (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI 2.24, 5.01) and decision making for contraceptive use by husband alone (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.124, 1.67) were factors significantly associated with obstetric fistula. CONCLUSION Age at first marriage, rural residence, poorest wealth index and decision making for contraceptive use by husband alone were significantly associated factors for obstetric fistula. Intervening on these factors will reduce the magnitude of obstetrics fistula. In this context there is in-need to improve on avoiding early marriage through awareness creation to the community and developing legal framework by the policymakers. Furthermore, information about the joint decision making to use contraceptives should be disseminated though mass-media and interpersonal channels.
Collapse
|
3
|
Ambese TY, Gebre H, Berhe A, Fisseha G, Gufue ZH, Hailu NA, Ebrahim MM, Abraha HE. Effect of vaginal scarring on the recovery of surgical repair of obstetric fistula in Northern Ethiopia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 160:915-925. [PMID: 36031398 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of vaginal scarring on the recovery from surgical repair of obstetric fistula in Northern Ethiopia from 2015 to 2020. METHODS A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 224 women who had obstetric fistula repair surgery in Northern Ethiopia from March 1 to March 31, 2020. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the adjusted predictors of recovery for each main baseline predictor variable, using 95% confidence interval (CI) and P < 0.05 to declare statistical significance. RESULTS The overall recovery rate was 57 of 1000 women (43 of 1000 and 73 of 1000 for women with and without vaginal scar, respectively), with an overall median time to recovery from obstetric fistula repair surgery of 15 days. Vaginal scarring (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.58 [95% CI, 1.13-2.21]), age of the patient (aHR, 4.05 [95% CI, 1.56-10.5]), mode of delivery (aHR, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.31-3.49]), place of delivery (aHR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.17-3.12]), prior repair (aHR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.08-3.35]), and duration of catheterization (aHR, 12.91 [95% CI, 7.21-23.13]) were independent predictors of recovery. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, we found that women who had no vaginal scar, age older than 30 years, facility and spontaneous vaginal delivery, first attempt repair, and shorter duration of catheterization had a shorter recover time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tesfay Yohannes Ambese
- Department of Public Health Surveillance, Ethiopian Public Health Institute Tigray Branch, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Hagazi Gebre
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Awtachew Berhe
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Girmatsion Fisseha
- Department of Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Zenawi Hagos Gufue
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
| | - Nigus Alemu Hailu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
| | | | - Hiluf Ebuy Abraha
- Department of Clinical governance and Quality Improvement, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hurissa BF, Koricha ZB, Dadi LS. Quality of life and its predictive factors among women with obstetric fistula in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:987659. [PMID: 36388323 PMCID: PMC9650212 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.987659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Living with obstetric fistulas is detrimental to the quality of life of women with fistulas. This study aimed to assess the quality of life and predictive factors among women with obstetric fistula in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was employed on consecutively selected 478 women. Linear regressions were used for data analysis. Results The mean quality of life in physical, psychological, social, and environmental health domains and the overall quality of life were 40.59 ± 1.58, 38.10 ± 1.78, 29.59 ± 1.97, 34.21 ± 1.65, and 44.61 ± 3.99 respectively. Repair outcome without urinary inconsistence (β = 5.2; 95% CI = 0.72, 9.64), self-esteem (β = 1.3; 95% CI = 0.96, 1.57), negative attitude (β = 5.1; 95% CI = 1.86, 8.33), waiting treatment (β = -8.4; 95% CI = -15.54, -1.10), and low intention (β = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.52, 7.93) were predictors of the quality of life in physical domain. Repair outcome without urinary inconsistence (β = 5.9; 95% CI = 1.73, 9.99), self-esteem (β = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.47, 2.11), negative attitude (β = -6.4; 95% CI = -9.60, -3.25), fathers at primary school (β = 12.5; 95% CI = 0.08, 24.82), living only with parents (β = 4.9; 95% CI = 0.99, 8.90), time of care-seeking (β = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.02, -0.002), and duration lived with fistula (β = -5.4; 95% CI = -9.12, -1.68) were predictors of psychological domain. Dead birth (β = -5.2; 95% CI = -9.86, -0.51), self-esteem (β = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.72, 1.43), and living only with parents (β = 5.5; 95% CI = 0.30, 10.69), and living only with husband (β = 7.8; 95% CI = 2.01, 13.55) were predictors of social domain. Living in rural (β = -6; 95% CI = -9.22, -2.79), women at secondary school (β = 14.1; 95% CI = 3.67, 24.48), self-esteem (β = 1.3; 95% CI = 0.99, 1.55), negative attitude (β = -5.1; 95% CI = -7.97, -2.29) were predictors of quality of life in environmental domain. Repair outcome without urinary inconsistence (β = 8.3; 95% CI = 0.62, 16.02), self-esteem (β = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.34, 2.79), and living only with parents (β = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.06, 4.76) were significant predictors of the overall quality of life. Conclusions The quality of life of women with obstetric fistula was low. Repair outcomes, self-esteem, negative attitudes, rural residence, living with parents, and time of care-seeking were significant predictors of quality of life. Urgent measures should be taken to address these factors to improve the quality of life of women with fistula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bekana Fekecha Hurissa
- School of Midwifery, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia,*Correspondence: Bekana Fekecha Hurissa ;
| | - Zewdie Birhanu Koricha
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lelisa Sena Dadi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hurissa BF, Koricha ZB, Dadi LS. The Predictors of Intent to Prevent Obstetric Fistula Recurrence Among Women with Fistula in Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:1323-1335. [PMID: 36134389 PMCID: PMC9484077 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s378162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obstetric fistula recurrence predisposes to a decreasing success rate of fistula repair and accounts for the continued incidence of obstetric fistulas in low-income countries. Evidence has revealed that there are women’s intent gaps in the prevention of obstetric fistula recurrence. Assessments of predictors of intent to prevent obstetric fistula recurrence among women with fistula are scarce. Objective This study assessed the intent to prevent obstetric fistula recurrence and its predictive factors among women with obstetric fistula in Ethiopia. Methods Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 01, 2019, to August 01, 2019, with consecutively selected 478 women with fistulas in five fistula treatment centers in Addis Ababa and Oromia regions. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 23 software. Simple and multiple linear regression models were fitted for data analysis. Results Mean score of intent to prevent obstetric fistula recurrence among women with obstetric fistula was 27.72 ± 5.06. Living in a rural setting (β =−2.27; 95% CI: −3.62, −0.93), being married (β =1.71, 95% CI: 0.56, 2.85), having one previous repair (β =2.14, 95% CI: 0.19, 4.08), high self-esteem (β =1.42, 95% CI: 0.09, 2.74), psychological health (β =0.05, 95% CI: 0.26, 3.79), living with fistula ≥5 years (β =1.82, 95% CI: 0.44, 3.21), high knowledge of risk factors (β =3.12, 95% CI: 1.99, 4.25), and a positive attitude (β =2.33, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.54) were significant predictors of the intent to prevent obstetric fistula recurrence. Conclusion Intent to prevent obstetric fistula recurrence among women with obstetric fistula was low. This indicates an urgent need to create awareness among women with an obstetric fistula on the risk factors of obstetric fistula recurrence, attitudinal changes towards prevention of obstetric fistula recurrence, and the availability of prevention measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zewdie Birhanu Koricha
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lelisa Sena Dadi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The use of rape, starvation, and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure by the Ethiopian government violates the laws of war and the Geneva Conventions. In November 2020, the federal government of Ethiopia invaded its northern region of Tigray, in collusion with the Government of Eritrea and ethnic Amhara militias. The invading forces pillaged the schools, destroyed the transportation infrastructure, burned crops and killed livestock, and looted the health care system. Thousands of civilians were killed, often in extrajudicial executions. Thousands of Tigrayan women were raped. Tens of thousands of Tigrayans fled to Sudan as refugees. Hundreds of thousands face famine and millions more have been internally displaced. The region is under a total communications blackout. The banking system has collapsed. The federal government has harassed external aid workers and imposed a de facto blockade on all medicines and famine relief. A man-made humanitarian catastrophe unlike any in recent memory is unfolding. The world medical community must speak up. The madness must stop.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tilahun T, Sura B, Merdassa E. Determinants of obstetric fistula in South-western Ethiopia. Int Urogynecol J 2021; 32:2505-2510. [PMID: 33754179 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-04690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Temesgen Tilahun
- Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
| | - Belina Sura
- Nekemte Health Science College, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Emiru Merdassa
- Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Musaba MW, Ndeezi G, Barageine JK, Weeks A, Nankabirwa V, Wamono F, Semakula D, Tumwine JK, Wandabwa JN. Risk factors for obstructed labour in Eastern Uganda: A case control study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228856. [PMID: 32040542 PMCID: PMC7010384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obstructed labour (OL) is an important clinical and public health problem because of the associated maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for OL and its associated obstetric squeal are usually context specific. No epidemiological study has documented the risk factors for OL in Eastern Uganda. This study was conducted to identify the risk factors for OL in Mbale Hospital. Objective To identify the risk factors for OL in Mbale Regional Referral and Teaching Hospital, Eastern Uganda. Methods We conducted a case control study with 270 cases of women with OL and 270 controls of women without OL. We consecutively enrolled eligible cases between July 2018 and February 2019. For each case, we randomly selected one eligible control admitted in the same 24-hour period. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews and a review of patient notes. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for OL. Results The risk factors for OL were, being a referral from a lower health facility (AOR 6.80, 95% CI: 4.20–11.00), prime parity (AOR 2.15 95% CI: 1.26–3.66) and use of herbal medicines in active labour (AOR 2.72 95% CI: 1.49–4.96). Married participants (AOR 0.59 95% CI: 0.35–0.97) with a delivery plan (AOR 0.56 95% CI: 0.35–0.90) and educated partners (AOR 0.57 95% CI: 0.33–0.98) were less likely to have OL. In the adjusted analysis, there was no association between four or more ANC visits and OL, adjusted odds ratio [(AOR) 0.96 95% CI: 0.57–1.63)]. Conclusions Prime parity, use of herbal medicines in labour and being a referral from a lower health facility were identified as risk factors. Being married with a delivery plan and an educated partner were protective of OL. Increased frequency of ANC attendance was not protective against obstructed labour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milton W. Musaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mbale Regional Referral and Teaching Hospital, Mbale, Uganda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Grace Ndeezi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Justus K. Barageine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Weeks
- Sanyu Research Unit, University of Liverpool, University of Liverpool/Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Nankabirwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Centre for Intervention Science and Maternal Child Health (CISMAC), Centre for International health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Felix Wamono
- School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Semakula
- Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - James K. Tumwine
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius N. Wandabwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Although obstetric fistula has likely plagued women since the beginning of time, very little research proportionally exists. This article summarizes the most substantial research on the topic and delineates research gaps and future needs. Existing research demonstrates that access to care is the underlying cause of obstetric fistula and that the first attempt at closure holds the highest chance at success, ranging between 84% and 94%. For simple cases, 10 days of a catheter is sufficient, although what constitutes as simple is unclear. Circumferential fistulas are at high risk for ongoing urethral continence. Psychosocial programs are helpful for all women, but those who are "dry" tend to reintegrate into society, whereas those still leaking need additional support. Prenatal care and scheduled cesarean delivery are recommended to avoid another fistula. Gaps in research include accurate prevalence and incidence, interventions to improve access to care, surgical technique, especially for complex cases, and ways to prevent ongoing incontinence, among many others. In all areas, more rigorous research is needed.
Collapse
|