Open AccessObstetric fistula in Assam, India: a neglected cause of maternal morbidities and mortality
Author(s) -
Suresh Jungari,
Bal Govind Chauhan
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
healthcare in low-resource settings
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2281-7824
DOI - 10.4081/hls.2015.4663
Subject(s) - medicine , fistula , socioeconomic status , vesicovaginal fistula , residence , obstetrics , obstetric labor complication , demography , pregnancy , surgery , environmental health , population , sociology , biology , genetics
Each year between 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula, a hole in the birth canal. Obstetric fistula is one of the major cause for maternal morbidities and mortality and it has been successfully eradicated in developed nations. Women who experience obstetric fistula suffer constant incontinence, shame, and social segregation. Obstetric fistula is prevalent in African and Asian countries, including India. In India, data has been collected in a large scale survey of district level household survey regarding obstetric fistula and its causes. In this study, efforts are endeavoured to understand the prevalence and causes of obstetric fistula in Assam state, India, where prevalence of obstetric fistula is very high (4.5%). Chi-square test was applied to determine the affecting factors of obstetric fistula. Results showing the socioeconomic status, education, place of residence and age group are important determinants in variation of fistula prevalence among women