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

Background. Obstetric fistula results in a continuous leakage of urine or feces through the vagina. The social consequences of obstetric fistula are severe, with affected women often ostracized from the community, divorced, abandoned and remaining childless. Objective. The general objective of this study was to analyze the perception and attitude of obstetric fistula patients treated at the Regional Hospital of Maroua, Cameroon. Design and Methods. This is a case series study of 42 obstetric fistula patients at the Regional Hospital of Maroua, Cameroon. After confirmation of the diagnosis of obstetric fistula, the patients were invited to participate to a survey prior to the surgical procedure, from May 2005 to August 2007. Results. Thirty-two percent of patients (13/41) said that they used to isolate themselves. Fifteen percent of patients (6/41) cited suicide as a solution for their fistula problem. Among the 29 patients who had never been operated before, 12 (41%) declared that this was due to a lack of financing means; eight (28%) cited the lack of fistula treatment services; seven (24%) said that this fistula was recent and 2 (7%) declared that they did not consult before. Conclusion. Obstetric fistula patients have a very negative perception about their condition. It is strongly recommended to improve the accessibility to maternal health program in order to prevent and manage the obstetric fistula in Far North Cameroon.