SHORT COMMUNICATION: Mental health screening in women with genital tract fistulae

Abstract

There is little information regarding the mental health status of women with genital tract fistulae in developing countries. The aim of this prospective observational study was to screen women at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh (December 2003 to June 2004), and Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, Ethiopia (June to July 2004), with genital tract fistula for mental health dysfunction. Women presenting to the above institutions were screened using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28) prior to fistula surgery. As the women were illiterate, the questionnaire was completed with the assistance of a medical officer, nurse or interpreter. The female staff members acted as controls. Sixty‐eight women with fistulae and 28 controls completed the GHQ‐28. Sixty‐six of the 68 women with fistulae screened positive to probable mental health dysfunction compared with 9 of the 28 controls. We conclude that women with genital tract fistula are at high risk of mental health dysfunction. If the high rates of positive screening are confirmed on psychiatric evaluation, then the management of women with genital tract fistulas must include routine psychological/psychiatric assessment and treatment.

Perception and attitude of obstetric fistula patients about their condition: a report from the Regional Hospital Maroua, Cameroon

“…A higher rate of thinking of suicide (38%) was recently reported among patients with genital fistula in Ethiopia. 5 These observations are in line with recent findings among non-fistula women at Maroua Regional Hospital in Far North Region. 6 Among 96 women interviewed about the attitude towards obstetric fistula, 33% of them said they would hide themselves and 10% said they would consider committing suicide.…”

Obstetric fistula in low‐income countries

“…In a hospitalbased observational study of the mental health of fistula patients in Ethiopia and Bangladesh, women with fistula were found to be more likely than the controls (female hospital workers) to screen positive for probable mental health dysfunction: 97% (66/68) and 32% (9/28), respectively [31].…”

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

“…Among those who have undergone surgical repair, health-related quality of life (QOL) is a key issue; however, most studies conducted to date have focused on QOL before rather than after surgery [4,5,7]. In the studies that have assess postsurgical QOL [6,[10][11][12], surgery has been shown to improve social life, physical activity, and psychological condition.…”

“…Affected individuals often encounter stigmatization and discrimination [4,5]. Research shows a high risk of mental health dysfunction among women with obstetric fistula [6,7].…”