The prevalence of depression in women with obstetric Fistula at Kenyatta National
Hospital and Jamaa hospital Nairobi, Kenya
Ndambuki, Rosemary M
Abstract:
Of particular concern to those with obstetric fistula is the prevalence of depression and the
social-demographic characteristics related to this condition. This was a descriptive study carried
out over a period of ten months from August 2008 to may 2009 .The study assessed some
socialdemographic characteristics associated with obstetric fistula and the prevalence of
depression in patients with obstetric fistula attending the obstetric fistula clinic in Kenyatta
National Hospital and Jamaa Hospital .. Objectives: The study sought to asses the sociodemographic factors associated with obstetric fistula and the prevalence of depression in these
patients. Methodology A total of 72 patients were recruited in the study between august 2008 and
may 2009. Their psychosocial data was collected , a depression scale(8eck ciepression inventory)
was administered. The data was entered usmq statistical package for social science (SPSS), and
analysis was done. Results were presented in figures and a table. RESULTS Results showed that
62% experienced depression. About half (46.5%) of the patients were between 19 and 29 years
46.5% had onset of fistula at between 19 and 29 years of age. Most (78.7%) of the patients had
onset of fistula while getting the first, second and third child. 67% of the patients had primary
education.46% had onset of fistula while in district hospital. Above half (67%) were unemployed
.64% were still married .54% had stillbirths. 36.8% had incontinence of urine for six years and
above. The prevalence of depression in women with obstetric fistula was 62%.There is
correlation between depression and duration of incontinence of urine XI CONCLUSION The
study concludes that women with obstetric fistula have high prevalence of depression. Greater
attention therefore needs to be paid to not only their medical surgical management but also
psychiatric / psychological management. RECOMMENDATIONS The researcher recommends
that counseling and psychological assistance be a major part of the treatment and should continue
after the surgical intervention to enable the patient to recover. Family therapy for the spouses and
relatives should be provided. Psycho-education on fistula should be part of obstetric care so that
potential patients seek medical intervention without delay. Further study is needed to establish
the prevalence of fistulae and other psychosocial complications in the general population. XII