Health-related quality of life among women in rural Bangladesh after surgical repair of obstetric fistula

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 130; no. 1; pp. 79 - 83
• Main Authors: Imoto, Atsuko, Matsuyama, Akiko, Ambauen-Berger, Beatrice, Honda, Sumihisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.07.2015
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bangladesh; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Middle Aged; Obstetric fistula; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Quality of life; Quality of Life - psychology; Rectovaginal Fistula - psychology; Rectovaginal Fistula - surgery; Repair surgery; Rural Population; Social Stigma; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vesicovaginal Fistula - psychology; Vesicovaginal Fistula - surgery; Young Adult; Bangladesh; Bangladesh; Obstetric fistula; Repair surgery; Quality of life
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.01.018

Abstract Objective To identify factors influencing health-related quality of life (QOL) among women in Bangladesh after successful surgical repair of obstetric fistula. Methods In 2012, a cross-sectional study was conducted of women who had undergone a successful surgical repair of an obstetric fistula at a hospital in northwest Bangladesh between June 2005 and May 2012. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and fistula-related information was collected by interview. Health-related QOL was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results A total of 113 women were included. Linear regression analysis showed that discrimination experiences negatively affected four of the eight scales of SF-36, as well as both the physical and mental component summaries (P < 0.05 for all). Married status had a positive effect on four scales and the mental component summary (P < 0.05 for all). Age inversely affected two scales and the physical component summary (P < 0.01 for all). Internalized stigma negatively influenced two scales (P < 0.05 for both). Not having living children and experiencing two or more previous stillbirths negatively influenced one scale (P < 0.05 for both). Conclusion Several factors influence health-related QOL after obstetric fistula repair; a comprehensive approach is needed to address these issues.