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

To describe the socio-demographical aspects, etiologies and psychosocial consequences of urogenital fistula patients (UGF) in Burkina Faso (BF). 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. 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. 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. 4.