The burden of iatrogenic obstetric fistulas in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Obstetric fistulas are abnormal open connection(s) between the vagina and the urinary tract or the rectum resulting from tragic injuries sustained by mothers during childbirth that lead to urine and/or faecal incontinence. Due to the rapidly growing middle class in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the corresponding quest for hospital delivery and caesarean section, surgery-related (iatrogenic) obstetric fistulas are on the rise. Worryingly, there is scanty data on surgery-related fistulas. This review aims to collate empirical evidence on the magnitude of iatrogenic obstetric fistulas in SSA, generate country-specific data and explore factors that influence obstetric surgery-related fistulas.

Methods

All relevant databases, PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Google Sc

SUBMITTER: Imakando MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11346637 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature