Obstetric fistula in low-income countries

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 104; no. 2; pp. 85 - 89
• Main Authors: Zheng, Alice X., Anderson, Frank W.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-02-2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Africa - epidemiology; Biological and medical sciences; Delivery. Postpartum. Lactation; Developing Countries - statistics & numerical data; Diseases of mother, fetus and pregnancy; Disorders; Evidence-based research; Female; Fistula; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Incidence; Maternal morbidity; Medical sciences; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Obstetric fistula; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Obstructed labor; Pregnancy. Fetus. Placenta; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Review; Risk Factors; Urinary system involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous; Urinary tract. Prostate gland; Vaginal Fistula - epidemiology; Vaginal Fistula - prevention & control; Vaginal Fistula - psychology; Vesicovaginal fistula; Africa; Maternal morbidity; Obstetric fistula; Fistula; Obstructed labor; Evidence-based research; Review; Vesicovaginal fistula; Socioeconomic status; Pregnancy disorders; Vaginal diseases; Maternal diseases; Epidemiology; Evidence-based medicine; Delivery disorders; Urinary system disease; Poverty; Gynecology; Evidence-based practice; Urinary tract disease; Obstetrics; Female genital diseases; Pregnancy; Bladder disease; Delivery; Bibliographic review
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.09.011

Abstract Objective To identify, survey, and systematically review the current knowledge regarding obstetric fistula as a public health problem in low-income countries from the peer-reviewed literature. Methods The Medline and Science Citation Index databases were searched to identify public health articles on obstetric fistula in low-income countries. Quantitative evidence-based papers were reviewed. Results Thirty-three articles met the criteria for inclusion: 18 hospital-based reviews; 6 on risk factors/prevention; 4 on prevalence/incidence measurement; 3 on consequences of obstetric fistula; and 2 on community-based assessments. Conclusion Obstetric fistula has received increased international attention as a public health problem, but reliable research on the burden of disease and interventions is lacking.