Epidemiology, etiology and psychosocial impact of urogenital fistulas in a cohort of 170 consecutive patients managed in three treatment centers in Burkina Faso from 2010 to 2012

Objective: To describe the socio-demographical aspects, etiologies and psychosocial consequences of urogenital fistula patients (UGF) in Burkina Faso (BF). Patients and methods: Descriptive study of a cohort of consecutive patients during a period of 18 months (December 1st 2010 to August 31st 2012) in three centers of treatment in BF. Each patient has had a standardized complete medical observation focused on sociodemographics, clinical finding, past medical history and etiologies of UGF. Some patients had an interview with a psychologist. Results: One hundred and seventy patients with mean age 35 years (minimum: 16, maximum: 70) were enrolled during the study period. The majority of patients were housewives (90.5%, n= 152) and illiterates (92.9%, n= 158). Among the patients, 62.4% (n= 106) lived in rural zones. Obstetrical fistula was the most common cause of UGF (87.6%, n= 149) in our study and prolonged labor occurred in 93.3% (n= 139) of cases with 17.5% (n= 26) who delivered at home. The majority of our cases were vesico-vaginal fistula (70.6%, n= 120). Fifty-five patients (32.4%) were divorced after the fistula. The sensation of humiliation and sadness were noted at all the patients who had a psychological evaluation and 87.5% (n= 14) of them have had suicidal ideas. Conclusion: The UGF are frequent in Burkina Faso and obstetrical etiology is dominant. The physical and psychosocial repercussions are important for the women victims of this pathology. Level of evidence: 4. © 2014 .