Experiences of women seeking treatment for obstetric fistula: Findings from Bangladesh, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria and Uganda

Objectives: To present profiles and experiences of women with obstetric fistula. Methods: Data for 1,354 women were collected at admission, surgery, discharge, and 3 month follow-up using standardized forms. Results: Median fistula duration was 1 year and median age at fistula development was 20. At time of surgery, median parity was 2, and most women were married and financially supported by husbands or other relatives. Effects of living with fistula result in women being socially isolated : more than 80% reported leaking from the fistula prevented then attending social and religious gatherings and ability to work. Before discharge over 90% were counseled about FP and the importance of antenatal care for the next pregnancy; 54% accepted FP at time of discharge. At the three month follow up more than 70% of women reported improvements in the quality of their lives post-surgery—more were able to eat with others, attend religious and social gatherings and return to work. Conclusions: Prevention messages should target women of all ages and families. Clear messages about the causes of fistula and treatment options for women are needed to reduce the stigma associated with this morbidity. Longer term follow up should be conducted to learn about the women's experiences with reintegration.