Characteristics of Obstetric Fistula in Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

Introduction: Obstetric fistula is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, it is more prevalent in the North compared to the South; and mainly rural. Urbanization has had significant impact on global health. Rapid urbanization is predicted to intensify in developing countries where fistula is endemic, but the pattern of presentation of obstetric fistula in urban areas is yet to be de-scribed. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out if obstetric fis-tula exists in Kaduna metropolis, and if it does, to explore the pattern of presentation. Methodology: Women living with obstetric fistula were mobi-lized from Kaduna metropolis for free screening and repair. They were screened using direct dye and three swab tests. Consenting patients with con-firmed obstetric fistula were included in the study. Their socio-demographic and clinical data were captured using Microsoft Access and analyzed with Sta-tistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Results: All twenty three consenting women confirmed to have obstetric fistula lived within Ka-duna city and had phone contacts. A depreciating proportion of primiparous women presented with obstetric fistula in Kaduna metropolis as multiparous women were in majority. The women also appeared to have higher height and weight measures and majority of them had access to fistula repair. They mar-ried early and were mostly uneducated and illiterate. Conclusion: Obstetric fistula afflicts women living in Kaduna metropolis. Women living with fistula in Kaduna metropolis appear to present different socio-demographic features, suggesting an emerging trend related to urbanization.