Obstetric fistula in low-resource countries: An under-valued and under-studied problem

Researchers from University of Seattle and University of Washington, in USA came together to collaborate in this paper. Obstetric fistula (OF) is a serious consequence of prolonged, obstructed labour in settings where emergency obstetric care is limited, but there are few reliable, population-based estimates of the rate of OF. Stillbirth (SB) is another serious consequence of prolonged, obstructed labour, yet the frequency of SB in women with OF is poorly described. Here, we review these data. Reliable data on OF and associated SB in low-resource countries are lacking, underscoring the relative invisibility of these issues. Sound numbers are needed to guide policy and funding responses to these neglected conditions of poverty.

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https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12884-015-0592-2