223331 Determination of origin of obstetric fistula in patients who seek treatment in Ebonyi, Nigeria

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sarah Miller , Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, Denver, CO
Mark Janko , Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, Denver, CO
Angie Bengtson, MA , Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, Denver, CO
Sunday Adeoye, MD , South East Regional Fistula Center, Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Randall Kuhn, PhD , Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, Denver, CO
Marilyn M. Williams, PhD , Department of Geography, University of Denver, Denver, CO
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the origin of obstetric fistula (OF) patients in the Ebonyi state of Nigeria. Nigeria is often associated with a high burden of OF, but the extent of the burden throughout the country is unknown, particularly because studies have primarily focused on the northern, Muslim part of the country, where religious/cultural practices are thought to be a root cause of the condition. In an effort to respond to the lack of research in southern Nigeria, we worked with the South East Regional Fistula Centre (SERFC), part of the Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi. During six weeks in April and May 2009, locational and demographic data was collected from SERFC hospital records in order to identify the origin of patients within Ebonyi state. De-identified patient addresses were mapped at the local government area (LGA), development centre (DC), and community levels. A detailed questionnaire was also completed for each patient and merged with a database of previous patients. The data showed a wide distribution of OF patients within the state, as well as a small number of patients seeking care from the neighboring state of Cross River. The widespread distribution of OF patients in the region indicates that there is a need for social rehabilitation and repair services, and future programs should focus on these issues.

Learning Areas:
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health

Learning Objectives:
Identify the geographic origins of obstetric fistula patients in the Ebonyi state of Nigeria. Demonstrate the need for attention to maternal reproductive health in southern Nigeria.

Keywords: Maternal Health, Social Justice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I am a graduate student who is conducting research on obstetric fistula in Nigeria.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.