SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN SUFFERING FROM GENITAL FISTULA

1. Duration of Fistula (yr) n % 125 <1yr 41.6 1-5 68 22.6 85 28.3 6-15 SETTINGS OBJECTIVE >16 22 7.3 To study the sociodemographic characterististics of patients with genital fistulae. MCHC Unit I, PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan CATCHMENT AREAS SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN SUFFERING FROM GENITAL FISTULA STUDY PERIOD INTRODUCTION 1st Jan 2006 -20 Dec 2011 • Genital fistulae is a highly disabling condition with physical ,psychological and social implications1 .The commonest cause in developing countries is obstructed labor but iatrogenic fistulae from gynecological surgeries are on rise2 . • Low literacy rate, malnutrition, poverty ,lack of skilled birth attendant at primary level, difficult long distance travelling and women discrimination are major factors leading to fistulae formation in Pakistan.3 • Absence of basic EmOC services at difficult terrain is also responsible for this morbidity. Darawar fort Thar desert METHODS • Specifically designed fistula cards containing all sociodemographic characteristics were used to collect data on genital fistula .All these cards were filled at the time of discharge of patients .For the purpose of this study patients record were retrospectively reviewed and subsequently data transferred to excel and then studied. KARAKORUM MOUNTAIN Islamabad View Point PATIENT'S PROFESSION Results Total Patients 300 PAKISTAN SCENARIO More than five million women become pregnant each year and approximately 0.7million(15%) of the total experience acute and chronic obstetric complications Mahmud. G, Bangash. K, Ahmad. R Mother and Child Health Centre ,Unit 1 ,PIMS, Islamabad .Pakistan TREATED BY HUSBAND‘S PROFESSION There is a chance that fistula may occur at the rate of 2 to 3/1000 pregnancies. DEMOGRAPHICCHARACTERISTICS DURATION OF MARRIAGE Estimated 10,000-11,000 fistula/year in Pakistan. Pakistan Demographic & Health Survey 2008 “UN CAMPAIGN TO END OBSTETRIC FISTULA” 49 COUNTRIES CONCLUSION Improving access to good quality obstetric care ,increasing awareness of safe motherhood, improving literacy rate and empowering women for their rights are required to prevent fistula formation. REFERENCES 1. Integrated management pregnancy and childbirth WHO report on obstetric fistula,2005 2. Hafez M, Asif S, Hanif H, Profile and repair success of vesicovaginal fistula in Lahore CPSP 2005;15:142-44 3. Pakistan demographic health survey 2008. Partners of Campaign UNFPA PNFWH USAID ACKNOWLEDGMENT We are grateful to Dr. Nasira Tasnim (Associate Professor) ,Dr. Arfa Tabbsum (Assistant Professors), Ms Athar Sayed (Coordinator Fistula Project) and all residents for their efforts in managing patients with fistula