Overview of Obstetric Fistula: From a Developing Country's Perspective

Obstetric fistula is a hidden tragedy in the developing world, prevention is important and treatment is by surgical repair. However, failure, broken fistula, stress incontinence often demoralizes surgeons and patients. Keywords: Fistula repair; Obstetric fistula; Obstructed delivery.

Obstetric fistula policy in Nigeria: a critical discourse analysis

BACKGROUND

In 2012, Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health published its National Strategic Framework for the Elimination of Obstetric Fistula (NSFEOF), 2011-2015. The framework has since lapsed and there is no tangible evidence that the goal of eliminating obstetric fistula was met. To further inform future policy directions on obstetric fistula in Nigeria, this paper explores how the NSFEOF conceptualized obstetric fistula and its related issues, including child marriage and early childbearing.

METHODS

A critical discourse analysis of the policy was performed. We examined four policies in addition to the strategic framework: the Nigerian constitution; the Marriage Act; the Matrimonial Causes Act; and the National Reproductive Health Policy. We used the three phases of critical discourse analysis: textual analysis, analysis of discourse practice, and analysis of discursive events as instances of sociocultural practice.

RESULTS

The analysis demonstrates that, despite its title, the policy document focuses on reduction rather than elimination of obstetric fistula. The overall orientation of the policy is downstream, with minimal focus on prevention. The policy language suggests victim blaming. Furthermore, the extent to which subnational stakeholders in government and civil society were engaged in decision-making process for developing this policy is ambiguous. Although the policy is ostensibly based on principles of social justice and equity, several rhetorical positions suggest that the Nigerian constitutional environment and justice systems make no real provisions to protect the reproductive rights of girls in accordance with the United Nations' "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

CONCLUSION

This analysis establishes that the Nigerian constitution, justice environment and the obstetric fistula policy itself do not demonstrate clear commitment to eradicating obstetric fistula. Specifically, a clear commitment to eradicating obstetric fistula would see the constitution and Marriage Act of Nigeria specify an age of consent that is consistent with the agenda to prevent obstetric fistula. Additionally, a policy to end obstetric fistulas in Nigeria must purposefully address the factors creating barrier to women's access to quality maternal healthcare services. Future policies and programs to eliminate obstetric fistulas should include perspectives of nurses, midwives, researchers and, women's interest groups.

Current evidence supporting obstetric fistula prevention strategies in sub Saharan Africa: a systematic review of the literature

Obstetric fistula has been eliminated in developed countries, but remains highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. The End fistula campaign is the first concerted effort to eradicate the disease. The objective of this review is to retrieve and link available evidence to obstetric fistula prevention strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, since the campaign began. We searched databases for original research on obstetric fistula prevention. Fifteen articles meeting inclusion criteria were assessed for quality, and data extraction was performed. Grey literature provided context. Evidences from the articles were linked to prevention strategies retrieved from grey literature. The strategies were classified using an innovative target-focused method. Gaps in the literature show the need for fistula prevention research to aim at systematically measuring incidence and prevalence of the disease, identify the most effective and cost-effective strategies for fistula prevention and utilise innovative tools to measure impact of strategies in order to ensure eradication of fistula.

Obstetric Fistula: A Preventable Tragedy

Obstetric fistula disables millions of women and girls in developing countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently launched a global campaign to end fistula, labeling this condition a preventable and treatable tragedy. Obstetric fistula overwhelmingly results from obstructed labor, which occurs in cases of cephalopelvic disproportion and malpresentation. Cephalopelvic disproportion often complicates deliveries in young, primiparous women of low gynecologic age. Social factors, including young age at marriage and malnutrition of girl children, can also contribute to cephalopelvic disproportion. These social etiologies must be addressed by prevention campaigns. Direct prevention of fistula can occur during delivery when skilled providers identify women and girls at risk for obstetric fistula and link them with innovative interventions, such as Fistula Prevention Centers, through which they can more readily access emergency obstetric care, and by setting strict time limits for laboring at home without progress. Community-based programs, such as the Tostan program in West Africa, use social education to prevent fistula. Moreover, effective surgical techniques for fistula repair are available in some settings and should be expanded to reach those in need. Midwives can play a key role in the prevention and treatment of this tragic obstetric complication.

The role of counseling for obstetric fistula patients: lessons learned from Eritrea

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the first formal counseling program for obstetric fistula patients in Eritrea.

METHODS

To evaluate the impact of the counseling program, clients were interviewed both before pre-operative counseling and again after post-operative counseling. A questionnaire was used in the interviews to assess women's knowledge about fistula, self-esteem, and their behavioral intentions for health maintenance and social reintegration following surgical repair. In addition, two focus groups were conducted with a total of 19 clients assessing their experiences with the surgical care and counseling.

RESULTS

Data from the questionnaires revealed significant improvements in women's knowledge about fistula, self-esteem, and behavioral intentions following counseling. Focus group data also supported increased knowledge and self-esteem.

CONCLUSION

Evaluation of the short-term impact of an initial formal counseling program for fistula patients in sub-Saharan Africa affirmed the positive effects that such a program has for fistula patients, with increased knowledge about the causes of fistula, fistula prevention and enhanced self-esteem.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Culturally appropriate counseling can be incorporated into services for surgical repair of obstetric fistula in low-resource settings and has the potential to improve the physical and mental well-being of women undergoing fistula repair.

Referral practices and perceived barriers to timely obstetric care among Ugandan traditional birth attendants (TBA)

OBJECTIVES

To assess current beliefs, knowledge and practices of Ugandan traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and their pregnant patients regarding referral of obstructed labors and fistula cases.

METHODS

Six focus groups were held in rural areas surrounding Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

RESULTS

While TBAs, particularly those with previous training, appear willing to refer problematic pregnancies and labors, more serious problems exist that could lessen any positive effects of training. These problems include reported abuse by doctors and nurses, and seeing fistula as a disease caused by hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Training of TBAs can be helpful to standardize knowledge about and encourage timely emergency obstetric referrals, as well as increase knowledge about the causes and preventions of obstetric fistula. However, for full efficacy, training must be accompanied by greater collaboration between biomedical and traditional health personnel, and increased infrastructure to prevent mistreatment of pregnant patients by medical staff.

Obstetric fistula: Guiding principles for clinical management and programme development, a new WHO guideline

It is estimated that more than 2 million women are living with obstetric fistulas (OFs) worldwide, particularly in Africa and Asia, and yet this severe morbidity remains hidden. As a contribution to the global Campaign to End Fistula, the World Health Organization (WHO) published Obstetric fistula: Guiding principles for clinical management and programme development, a manual intended as a practical working document. Its 3 main objectives are to draw attention to the urgency of the OF issue and serve as an advocacy document for prompt action; provide policy makers and health professionals with brief, factual information and principles that will guide them at the national and regional levels as they develop strategies and programs to prevent and treat OFs; and assist health care professionals as they acquire better skills and develop more effective services to care for women treated for fistula repair.

The Campaign to End Fistula: what have we learned? Findings of facility and community needs assessments

OBJECTIVE

To present a summary of the findings of the fistula needs assessments that have been conducted through the Campaign to End Fistula in 25 countries in Africa and Asia to expand knowledge on the issue related to causes and impact, country capacity to manage the problem and clinical and programmatic gaps.

METHOD

The methodology of the assessments was qualitative and quantitative, and included focus group discussions; in-depth interviews/narratives; key informant interviews; and review of medical records, with slight variations by country.

RESULTS

Analysis of 20 of these assessments provides insight into the capacities, gaps, and perspectives specific to each country regarding fistula prevention and treatment and the social reintegration of treated women.

CONCLUSION

Needs assessment findings have been key tools to spark action and guide the implementation of national programs to eliminate obstetric fistulas throughout Africa and Asia.

USAID program for the prevention and treatment of vaginal fistula

The cornerstone of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) fistula program is to support and strengthen local capacity for fistula repair. The USAID program includes support to upgrade facilities, enhance local surgical repair capability, allocate equipment and supplies to operating rooms, implement quality improvement systems, and cover the women's transportation costs to and from the treatment facilities. The program also offers training in clinical and counseling skills; transferring skills South-to-South; and monitoring and evaluating the program's effectiveness. As new fistula cases continually increase the backlog of untreated cases, its efforts are also directed toward the prevention of fistula and the reintegration of treated women into their communities. Furthermore, the program challenges the culture of sexual violence against women that leads to traumatic gynecologic fistulas.

Improving community knowledge of obstetric fistula prevention and treatment

In recent years, information has emerged in the scientific literature regarding the experience of physicians and clinical staff who try to prevent and treat obstetric fistulas at health facilities in developing countries. However, little is known about attempts to match the services they provide with policy and programmatic interventions in the communities they serve. To determine what is known about community involvement in the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistulas, the authors inquired into experiments carried out by EngenderHealth and partners in 15 African and Asian countries. From raw data, gray literature, and personal communications with those working in the field, they learned that engaging the community may be the keystone in the eradication of fistulas in low-resource settings, and they learned how to engage the community.

The role of delayed childbearing in the prevention of obstetric fistulas

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of delayed childbearing in the prevention of obstetric fistulas (OFs).

METHODS

Data on 4798 deliveries in Niger (1995-1998), 3552 in Nigeria (1996-1999), and 6789 in Tanzania (1991-1996) were analyzed with logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Young maternal age and primiparous status were identified as correlates of prolonged/obstructed labor. The annual incidence of OFs in Nigeria was found to be 2.11 per 1000 births, with 9817 cases developing each year, 28% in women and girls younger than 20 years. The predicted proportion of women experiencing prolonged/obstructed labor would be reduced by 11.2% in Niger, 11.4% in Nigeria, and 13.1% in Tanzania if the risks associated with young maternal age at first delivery and primiparity were eliminated.

CONCLUSIONS

Community programs to educate young, newly married women about delaying childbearing until they reach physical maturity should be implemented in countries with a high incidence of OFs.

[Diverticulum of the female urethra]

The diagnosis and successful treatment of female urethral diverticulum can be facilitated by a heightened clinical awareness coupled with appropriate evaluation and perioperative management. In particular, it is important to address all the preoperative factors to avoid complications de treatment such as recurrence of the diverticulum or urethro-vaginal fistula. The authors also report their clinical experience of evaluating 59 women with urethral diverticula over the last 11 years and describe the technique and complications of diverticulectomy in 49 women.