Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Patients with Obstetric Fistula at Hamlin Fistula Treatment Centers, Ethiopia: A Facility Based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among patients with obstetric fistula in Hamlin Fistula treatment centers in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Study participants of the project were patients with obstetric fistula from the treatment centers of Hamlin fistula Ethiopia. Participants were interviewed using validated structured Amharic version patient health questionnaire for depression (PHQ-9). As many women were illiterate, the questionnaires were completed by a nurse. During a 2-month period, from July to August 2016, all women presenting with only obstetric fistula to Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, Bahir-Dar Hamlin Fistula Center, Yirgalem Hamlin Fistula Center and Harara Hamlin Fistula center participated. Logistic regression analysis was used. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify associated factors. Results: 167 women with obstetric fistula were screened for probable depressive disorder. The prevalence of depression was 73.7%. After adjusting for possible confounders, depression (PHQ-9 score of > 5) was significantly associated with perceived lack of social support (P=0.014), history of stillbirth (P=0.017), primi-parous (P=0.008), separation/divorce (P=0.02) and stay length at home with fistula for over 3 months (P=0.002). Conclusion and Recommendation: The study revealed a high prevalence of depression in patients with obstetric. A stillbirth history, perceived lack of social support, Separation/divorce with a husband, Parity history of one, living with fistula for over 3 months before reporting to a hospital were found to be the factors associated with depression among patients with obstetric fistula . Integrating psychiatric care and treatment including family support with the routine medical care is strongly recommended.