Primary Screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms among Patients with Obstetric Fistula in Zamko, Plateau State

Abstract

Background: Obstetric fistula is common among women in developing countries including Nigeria. One of the consequences of this debilitating condition is the development of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. This study set out to assess its prevalence among a cohort of women undergoing surgical treatment at a secondary health facility in north-central Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 37 women with vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) in Comprehensive Health Centre, Zamko, Plateau State. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was entered and analysed using Epi-info version 3.5.4 statistical software. A probability value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 47 ± 14.5 years. More than half of them, 23 (62.2%) have had VVF for less than 20 years and 14 (37.8%) had had previous surgery for VVF repair but with no success. A total of 24 (64.9%) were positive for PTSD after the screening questions were administered. Religion was seen to be a protective factor as respondents from other religions when compared to Christianity (AOR = 0.034, 95% CI: 0.001-1.090). The study subjects from a polygamous setting had more than twice the risk of having PTSD (AOR = 2.008, 95% CI: 0.220-18.300) as against those from monogamous settings, however it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms among the respondents. It is recommended that mental health screening and therapy should be incorporated into the management protocol of all VVF patients in order to successfully rehabilitate them.