Abstract:

The WHO estimates that more than 2 million women live with obstetric fistula and up to 100,000 new cases occur each year. Fistula was a global problem, however it was eradicated in Europe and North America following the WHO estimates that approximately two million women have untreated obstetrics fistula with a worldwide incidence of 1-2 per 1000 deliveries [1]. In addition, they are often associated with various co-morbidities such as obstetric palsy, foot drop, renal failure, osteitis pubis, infertility, vaginal stenosis and pelvic inflammatory disease furthermore, obstetric fistula mostly affects poor women, many affected women have other complications and are subjected to social discrimination and abandonment [2].

Method: A qualitative study using focus group discussion for all adult at Ilemela district particularly at Pansiasi and Buswelu to explore and gain deeper understanding of their awareness of existence, causes, risk factor and attitude about the obstetric fistula. This study duration started September 2019 to November 2019, data was collected by interview, and were analyzed by SPSS version 20.

Results: The majority of the adults were aware about obstetric fistula, though many had misconceptions regarding its causes, clinical presentation and risk factor. Some wrongly attributed fistula to having sex during the menstruation period, curses by relatives, however, others attributed the fistula to delays to access medical care, contraception at an early age, utilization of traditional birth attendants at delivery.

Conclusion: Most of the community members interviewed were aware of the risk factors of obstetric fistula. Some respondents, had misconceptions/myths about risk factors of obstetric fistula as being caused by having sex during menstrual periods, being a curse from the family members.