Health-related quality of life among women in rural Bangladesh after surgical repair of obstetric fistula.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors influencing health-related quality of life (QOL) among women in Bangladesh after successful surgical repair of obstetric fistula.

METHODS

In 2012, a cross-sectional study was conducted of women who had undergone a successful surgical repair of an obstetric fistula at a hospital in northwest Bangladesh between June 2005 and May 2012. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and fistula-related information was collected by interview. Health-related QOL was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

RESULTS

A total of 113 women were included. Linear regression analysis showed that discrimination experiences negatively affected four of the eight scales of SF-36, as well as both the physical and mental component summaries (P<0.05 for all). Married status had a positive effect on four scales and the mental component summary (P<0.05 for all). Age inversely affected two scales and the physical component summary (P<0.01 for all). Internalized stigma negatively influenced two scales (P<0.05 for both). Not having living children and experiencing two or more previous stillbirths negatively influenced one scale (P<0.05 for both).

CONCLUSION

Several factors influence health-related QOL after obstetric fistula repair; a comprehensive approach is needed to address these issues.