Abstract:

Background: A debilitating ailment that causes discomfort in the form of uncontrollably leaking urine or feces is gynecological fistula, which is an improper route between the female genitalia and the urinary tract, gut, or skin (1). Studies in recent years have reported that the lifetime prevalence is 3·0 cases per 1000 women of reproductive age(2). It has also been reported that 79.4% to 100% are obstetrical while the remaining cases are fistulas from other causes. Rectovaginal fistulae accounts for 1% to 8%, vesicovaginal fistulae for 79% to 100% of cases, and combined vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulae occurs in 1% to 23% of cases(3). Surgeons contribute to a big proportion (25%) of fistula cases hence caesarean section being a risk factor in low and middle income countries(4). It has been shown that low level of education, marriage at a young age and poor access to quality maternal healthcare services are the key risk factors for the occurring gynecological fistula in most African countries(5).

Objectives: this study is aimed to assess and understand the prevalence of gynecological fistula and identify associated risk factors among women seeking healthcare services at Bugando Medical Centre using secondary data

Methods: This study was an observational retrospective cohort study that was conducted at Bugando medical Centre, that involved secondary data that retrieved from patient records from 2017 to 2022 involving 385 participants.

Results: Vesicovaginal fistula was the most common fistula identified about 84.2% and moderate type was the leading (69.4%) and (99.7%) undergone surgical repair and which shows good outcome about (68%). Also obstetric trauma was the most risk factor of the gynecological fistula (99.2%)

Conclusion: More policy guide and journals are needed to ensure more successful rate of the fistula repair. Also more education is needed to the society about fistula risk factors and prevention