Obstetric fistula in low-income countries

Objective: To identify, survey, and systematically review the current knowledge regarding obstetric fistula as a public health problem in low-income countries from the peer-reviewed literature. Methods: The Medline and Science Citation Index databases were searched to identify public health articles on obstetric fistula in low-income countries. Quantitative evidence-based papers were reviewed. Results: Thirty-three articles met the criteria for inclusion: 18 hospital-based reviews; 6 on risk factors/prevention; 4 on prevalence/incidence measurement; 3 on consequences of obstetric fistula; and 2 on community-based assessments. Conclusion: Obstetric fistula has received increased international attention as a public health problem, but reliable research on the burden of disease and interventions is lacking. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.