| Περίληψη: | Background: Although fistula is a preventable and treatable condition, in Bangladesh it is a curse
for at least 71,000 women. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors hindering successful
treatment of fistula in women.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of the fistula patients and identify
the socio-demographic determinants associated with successful treatment of the fistula.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 fistula patients were interviewed from six different
hospitals of Bangladesh: Dhaka Medical College, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dr.Muttalib
Community Hospital, Chittagong Medical College, Hope Hospital in Cox’s Bazar and Ad-din
Hospital. Data was collected from September 2014 to February 2015. A subgroup of women
(N=98) with available information on first time of seeking treatment after development of fistula
was analyzed to investigate the association between early care seeking and successful outcome of
surgery utilizing bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.
Result: The sample comprised 96% (N=135) of vesico-vaginal fistula, 0.7% (N=1) rectovaginal
fistula, and 2.9% (N=4) of combination of vesico-vaginal and rectovaginal fistula patients.
Obstetric labor was considered the major cause of fistula in 108 (77%) of the women and 32 (23%)
had iatrogenic fistula. The subgroup analysis showed that women who sought care within 2 years
of their fistula development were 4.92 times more likely to be cured earlier than women who
sought for treatment longer than 2 years of their fistula development (p=0.023). Interestingly,
access to health facilities, and who they live with were significantly associated with seeking care
earlier (P<.005).
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Conclusion: Early care seeking was associated with the successful treatment of fistula. Patients
need to be encouraged to seek care as early as possible.
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