Obstetric Fistula scenario in India: A sidelined public health intervention

Obstetric fistula is a demoralizing pregnancy related disability mostly observed in the developing countries. District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-III) states that India is such a country where the prevalence of fistula is 1.5 percent. Much of the studies done on fistula are clinical based studies. Literature on the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with fistula in Indian context is scanty. Current study is an attempt to identify the prevalence and discrepancy of obstetric fistula among Indian women. This study uses data from the DLHS-III, 2007-08. Bi-variate and multivariate analysis will be employed in the study. The preliminary findings reveal that the woman with a disadvantaged socio-economic background is most likely to be adversely affected by the incidence of fistula.
(Key Words: Obstetric Fistula, public health, India)