Abstract:
Background:Obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse remain highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where
women have poor access to modern health care. Women having these problems tend to stay at home for years
before getting treatment. However, information regarding the reasons contributing to late presentation to
treatment is scarce, especially at the study area.
The objective of this study was to assess the reasons whywomen with obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse at
Gondar University Hospital delay treatment.
Method:A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 women. Delay was evaluated by
calculating symptom onset and time of arrival to get treatment at Gondar University Hospital. Regression analysis
was conducted to elicit predictors of delay for treatment.
Result:Of the total 384 participants, 311 (80.9%) had pelvic organ prolapse and 73(19.1%) obstetric fistula. The
proportion of women who delayed treatment of pelvic organ prolapse was 82.9% and that of obstetric fistula 60.
9%. Fear of disclosing illness due to social stigma (AOR = 2; 1.03, 3.9) and lack of money (AOR = 1.97; 1.01, 3.86)
were associated with the delay of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse,while increasing age (AOR =1.12; 1.01, 1.24)
and divorce (AOR = 16.9; 1.75, 165.5) were were responsible for delaying treatment forobstetric fistula.
Conclusion:A large numberof women with pelvic organ prolapse and obstetric fistula delayed treatment. Fear of
disclosure due to social stigma and lack of moneywere the major factors that contributed to thedelay to seek
treatment for pelvic organ prolapse,while increasing age and divorce were the predictors for delaying treatment for
obstetric fistula
