Research Information System
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, vol.18, no.1, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
Plain Language Summary Globally, between 2 and 3 million women were affected by obstetric fistula. Moreover, obstetric fistula is common in developing nations, as around 60% of it was found in sub-Saharan the so-called fistula belt' and middle east Asia. This devastating condition adversely affects both the Physical and Mental health of the women. There is little research conducted concerning the health burdens of the obstetric fistula in southwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this article provides a better understanding of the level of awareness on obstetric fistula and barrier (factors) that hinders the early detection and treatment of obstetric fistula. In this study, a cross-sectional study design was employed and data were collected from 400 women of the reproductive age group who visited public hospitals in the Ilu Aba Bor Zone. Our study shows that educational status, has not heard about complications of obstetric fistula, being far distant from the health facility, and not being pregnant were found to be factors that hinder the early detection and management of obstetric fistula. In conclusion, the finding of this study reported a low magnitude of level of awareness on obstetric fistula as compared to other previous studies.