Determinants of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia

Background: Obstetric fistula is a maternal morbidity creating devastating health problems for the women. Continuous and uncontrollable leaking of urine or faeces from vagina can lead to life changing stigmatization for women in third world countries. The underlying factors and consequences of this problem are not yet fully identified and adequately documented in Ethiopia.

Methods: This study is based on the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data (EDHS, 2005). The survey collected information on a total of 14,070 women who were interviewed face to face on their background characteristics as well as reproductive health issues, out of which 3178 women had complete measurements and were considered in this study. Descriptive and binary logistic regressions techniques were used using demographic, socio-economic, health and environmental related variables as explanatory variables and status of obstetric fistula as a response variable.

Results: The results showed that geographical region, place of residence, educational status, age at first birth, age at first marriage, employment status, place of delivery and follow up of antenatal care during pregnancy were significant determinant factors of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.

Conclusion: The study showed that demographic, socio-economic, environmental and health related variables have an important effect on determinants of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.

Keywords: Obstetric fistula, logistic regression, determinant factors

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