Citation

Weston K, Mutiso S, Mwangi JW, Qureshi Z, Beard J, Venkat P. Int. J. Gynaecol. Obstet. 2011; 115(1): 31-33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.04.015

PMID

21794861

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of depression and describe associated factors among fistula patients attending an obstetric fistula surgical camp in Kenya.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted focusing on obstetric fistula patients attending a national fistula camp held in August 2008 at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic data and medical histories for all consenting patients before surgery. Depression measures were obtained using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.
RESULTS: Of the 70 women interviewed, 2 (2.9%) and 12 (17.1%) reported a history of psychiatric illness and suicidal ideations, respectively. Depression was present in 51 (72.9%) patients, with 18 (25.7%) meeting criteria for severe depression. Depression was significantly associated with women older than 20 years of age (P=0.01), unemployment (P=0.03), lack of social support following fistula (P=0.04), and living with fistula for over 3 months (P=0.01).
CONCLUSION: Women with obstetric fistula are predisposed to high levels of depression. A holistic management approach, including mental health care and family support, is recommended.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Adult; Aged; Female; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Severity of Illness Index; Depression; Age Factors; Young Adult; Social Support; Pregnancy; Time Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Kenya; Vesicovaginal Fistula; Obstetric Labor Complications; Rectovaginal Fistula; Holistic Health