Sarah M Wilson1,2, Kathleen J Sikkema3,4, Melissa H Watt4, Gileard G Masenga5. 1. Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Box 90086, Durham, NC, 27708, USA. sarah.wilson@duke.edu. 2. Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA. sarah.wilson@duke.edu. 3. Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Box 90086, Durham, NC, 27708, USA. 4. Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA. 5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa that causes uncontrollable leaking of urine and/or feces. Research has documented the social and psychological sequelae of obstetric fistula, including mental health dysfunction and social isolation. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study sought to quantify the psychological symptoms and social support in obstetric fistula patients, compared with a patient population of women without obstetric fistula. METHOD: Participants were gynecology patients (N = 144) at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania, recruited from the Fistula Ward (n = 54) as well as gynecology outpatient clinics (n = 90). Measures included previously validated psychometric questionnaires, administered orally by Tanzanian nurses. Outcome variables were compared between obstetric fistula patients and gynecology outpatients, controlling for background demographic variables and multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Compared to gynecology outpatients, obstetric fistula patients reported significantly higher symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, somatic complaints, and maladaptive coping. They also reported significantly lower social support. CONCLUSION: Obstetric fistula patients present for repair surgery with more severe psychological distress than gynecology outpatients. In order to address these mental health concerns, clinicians should engage obstetric fistula patients with targeted mental health interventions.
BACKGROUND:Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa that causes uncontrollable leaking of urine and/or feces. Research has documented the social and psychological sequelae of obstetric fistula, including mental health dysfunction and social isolation. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study sought to quantify the psychological symptoms and social support in obstetric fistulapatients, compared with a patient population of women without obstetric fistula. METHOD:Participants were gynecology patients (N = 144) at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania, recruited from the Fistula Ward (n = 54) as well as gynecology outpatient clinics (n = 90). Measures included previously validated psychometric questionnaires, administered orally by Tanzanian nurses. Outcome variables were compared between obstetric fistulapatients and gynecology outpatients, controlling for background demographic variables and multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Compared to gynecology outpatients, obstetric fistulapatients reported significantly higher symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, somatic complaints, and maladaptive coping. They also reported significantly lower social support. CONCLUSION:Obstetric fistulapatients present for repair surgery with more severe psychological distress than gynecology outpatients. In order to address these mental health concerns, clinicians should engage obstetric fistulapatients with targeted mental health interventions.
Entities:
Keywords:
Depression; Global mental health; Obstetric fistula; PTSD; Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF); Women’s health
Authors: Hannah G Krause; Barbara A Hall; Shu-Kay Ng; Harriet Natukunda; Isaac Singasi; Judith T W Goh Journal: Int Urogynecol J Date: 2016-11-07 Impact factor: 2.894
Authors: Melissa H Watt; Sarah M Wilson; Kathleen J Sikkema; Jennifer Velloza; Mary V Mosha; Gileard G Masenga; Margaret Bangser; Andrew Browning; Pilli M Nyindo Journal: Eval Program Plann Date: 2015-02-09
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