The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among genitourinary fistula patients: A study in a tertiary care hospital, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality are very potential women’s health issues in many developing countries. Many of these are preventable. The World Health Organization estimated that, the prevalence of obstetric fistula at 0.3% of all deliveries. In Asia, over 200 thousand maternal deaths occur in every year. World-wide it is estimated that, there are over 1000000 new cases of fistula are found each year. Information from UNFPA and Engender health indicates that, well over two million women worldwide are suffering from genital tract fistulas. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among genitourinary fistula patients. Methods and Materials: It was a non-interventional, descriptive, cross sectional study conducted on a special group of population suffering from genitourinary fistula. Prior to commencement of study written permission was taken to work in the “National Fistula Centre” from the Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, DMCH. This study was conducted at the National Fistula Centre. This center was established in 2003 in DMCH under the supervision of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department. One hundred and two (102) patients were included in the study as the study population. Non-probability convenient sampling procedure was used. Samples were collected in two days per week. It was decided that, if any patient refuses, next one will be taken into account, but fortunately none refused the interview. By adopting this method, 102 patients were included and the study was conducted during the period from December 2003 to December 2004. Results: In our study, among total 102 participants the prevalence of the study was 85.29% where include psychiatric illness, depression (63.72%) being the commonest illness. Anxiety disorder was 15.68%, minor emotional disorder was 2.94% and somato form disorder was 2.94%. Fifteen patients (14.70%) were found to be free from psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion: One hundred and two patients diagnosed as genitourinary fistula are studied by Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) to find out psychiatric morbidity among them. Psychiatric diagnosis was confirmed by using DSM – IV criteria under the direct supervision of psychiatrist. The findings of this study may help in the treatment procedure of genitourinary fistula.