1. Depression among women with obstetric fistula in Kenya
- Author
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Weston, Khisa, Mutiso, Stephen, Mwangi, Judy W., Qureshi, Zahida, Beard, Jessica, and Venkat, Pavithra
- Subjects
VESICOVAGINAL fistula ,DEPRESSION in women ,CROSS-sectional method ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,MEDICAL statistics ,WOMEN'S mental health ,AGE distribution ,COMPARATIVE studies ,MENTAL depression ,HOLISTIC medicine ,LABOR complications (Obstetrics) ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH ,TIME ,SOCIAL support ,EVALUATION research ,SUICIDAL ideation ,SEVERITY of illness index ,PSYCHOLOGY - Abstract
Objective: To establish the prevalence of depression and describe associated factors among fistula patients attending an obstetric fistula surgical camp in Kenya.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted focusing on obstetric fistula patients attending a national fistula camp held in August 2008 at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic data and medical histories for all consenting patients before surgery. Depression measures were obtained using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.Results: Of the 70 women interviewed, 2 (2.9%) and 12 (17.1%) reported a history of psychiatric illness and suicidal ideations, respectively. Depression was present in 51 (72.9%) patients, with 18 (25.7%) meeting criteria for severe depression. Depression was significantly associated with women older than 20 years of age (P=0.01), unemployment (P=0.03), lack of social support following fistula (P=0.04), and living with fistula for over 3 months (P=0.01).Conclusion: Women with obstetric fistula are predisposed to high levels of depression. A holistic management approach, including mental health care and family support, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2011
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