Knowledge of Obstetric Fistula and Its Associated Factors among Women Attending Antenatal Care at a Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract:
Obstetric fistula remains a serious public health issue in low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Al though it is preventable, limited awareness and various sociocultural barriers contribute to its continued occurrence. This study aimed to assess women’s knowledge of obstetric fistula and identify factors associated with that knowledge among antenatal care attendees at a comprehensive specialized hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 among women attending antenatal care services. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge of obstetric fistula. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. The overall level of knowledge about obstetric fistula among antenatal care attendees was low. Higher ed ucational status, urban residence, previous obstetric complications, and exposure to health information were signifi cantly associated with better knowledge. Strengthening health education and community awareness programs within antenatal care services is crucial to improve understanding and prevention of obstetric fistula in Northwest Ethiopia.
