Community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender lines
Abstract Obstetric fistula is a major maternal health challenge in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Misperceptions about obstetric fistula delay seeking and accessing healthcare. Understanding community attitudes is crucial for prevention, early detection, and support for affected women. A commun...
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| Format: | Article |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-02-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87192-4 |
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| author | Wagaye Fentahun Chanie Aster Berhe Ambaye Dejen Tilahun Bikis Liyew Chernet Baye Tarekegn Asemaw Akalie Destaye Shiferaw Alemu Miteku Andualem Limenih |
| author_facet | Wagaye Fentahun Chanie Aster Berhe Ambaye Dejen Tilahun Bikis Liyew Chernet Baye Tarekegn Asemaw Akalie Destaye Shiferaw Alemu Miteku Andualem Limenih |
| author_sort | Wagaye Fentahun Chanie |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Obstetric fistula is a major maternal health challenge in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Misperceptions about obstetric fistula delay seeking and accessing healthcare. Understanding community attitudes is crucial for prevention, early detection, and support for affected women. A community-based study was conducted from February 1 to April 26, 2024, among 640 women and men to assess attitudes and influencing factors. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The study included nearly equal proportions of males (49.1%) and females (50.9%), with a median age of 32 years (IQR: 19–64). Among participants, 47.8% (95%CI: 43.7–51.6) had a favourable attitude towards obstetric fistula. Those under 20 years (AOR: 7.7; 95%CI: 2.3–28.6), aged 20–35 (AOR: 3.9; 95%CI: 1.8–8.5), and aged 36–50 (AOR: 6.36; 95%CI: 3.0–14.1) were more likely to have a favourable attitude compared to those over 50 years. Female gender (AOR: 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1–2.2), primary education (AOR: 1.86; 95%CI: 1.3–2.9), and awareness of obstetric fistula (AOR: 3.04; 95%CI: 2.0–4.6) were significant determinants. The study revealed unfavourable community attitudes towards obstetric fistula, with notable gender and age differences. Enhancing attitudes requires a comprehensive, tailored program involving all relevant stakeholders. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0670a9befe4d44ac86ae13a25525eecd |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-0670a9befe4d44ac86ae13a25525eecd2025-02-09T12:31:05ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-02-0115111110.1038/s41598-025-87192-4Community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender linesWagaye Fentahun Chanie0Aster Berhe1Ambaye Dejen Tilahun2Bikis Liyew3Chernet Baye4Tarekegn Asemaw Akalie5Destaye Shiferaw Alemu6Miteku Andualem Limenih7United Nation Population Fund Supported Maternal Project, University of GondarUnited Nation Population Fund AgencyDepartment of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarDepartment of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarContinuing Professional Development Center, University of GondarDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarAbstract Obstetric fistula is a major maternal health challenge in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Misperceptions about obstetric fistula delay seeking and accessing healthcare. Understanding community attitudes is crucial for prevention, early detection, and support for affected women. A community-based study was conducted from February 1 to April 26, 2024, among 640 women and men to assess attitudes and influencing factors. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The study included nearly equal proportions of males (49.1%) and females (50.9%), with a median age of 32 years (IQR: 19–64). Among participants, 47.8% (95%CI: 43.7–51.6) had a favourable attitude towards obstetric fistula. Those under 20 years (AOR: 7.7; 95%CI: 2.3–28.6), aged 20–35 (AOR: 3.9; 95%CI: 1.8–8.5), and aged 36–50 (AOR: 6.36; 95%CI: 3.0–14.1) were more likely to have a favourable attitude compared to those over 50 years. Female gender (AOR: 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1–2.2), primary education (AOR: 1.86; 95%CI: 1.3–2.9), and awareness of obstetric fistula (AOR: 3.04; 95%CI: 2.0–4.6) were significant determinants. The study revealed unfavourable community attitudes towards obstetric fistula, with notable gender and age differences. Enhancing attitudes requires a comprehensive, tailored program involving all relevant stakeholders.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87192-4Community attitudeDeterminant factorsObstetric fistulaEthiopia |
| spellingShingle | Wagaye Fentahun Chanie Aster Berhe Ambaye Dejen Tilahun Bikis Liyew Chernet Baye Tarekegn Asemaw Akalie Destaye Shiferaw Alemu Miteku Andualem Limenih Community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender lines Scientific Reports Community attitude Determinant factors Obstetric fistula Ethiopia |
| title | Community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender lines |
| title_full | Community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender lines |
| title_fullStr | Community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender lines |
| title_full_unstemmed | Community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender lines |
| title_short | Community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender lines |
| title_sort | community perceptions and determinants of obstetric fistula across gender lines |
| topic | Community attitude Determinant factors Obstetric fistula Ethiopia |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87192-4 |
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