MAGNITUDE OF UNDERWEIGHT AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF WOMEN AGE 15- 49 YEARS WITH OBSTETRIC FISTULA IN HAMLIN FISTULA HOSPITAL ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Poor nutritional status of women within the reproductive age group has been a serious problem in Ethiopia. Various factors are linked with underweight among women with obstetric fistula. However, studies on the magnitude of underweight and the associated factors among women with obstetric fistula aren't adequately studied in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the magnitude of underweight and its associated factors among women with obstetric fistula in Hamlin Fistula Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 women with obstetric fistula ages 15-49 years. A single population proportion formula was used to determine the sample size. A convenience sampling technique at OPD level was used for data collection. Data was collected through anthropometric measurements, chart review, and face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire from January 20/2021 to February 20/2021. Data on the socio-demographic and other relevant issues including Household-Food-Insecurity and Dietary was collected. A 15-item Kilifi stigma scale and the Oslo-3 social support instruments were used to assess the psycho-social factors. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Descriptive Statistics like means ±SD, frequency, percentages, and binary logistic regression like bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied for analysis. A two-sided p value of less than 0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association between the independent variables and underweight among women. Results: The magnitude of underweight among obstetric fistula women in Hamlin Fistula Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia was 48 (33.6%). Women had poor social support and perceived stigma 81.1% and 65.7%, respectively. Women who live in rural areas (74.8%) ,who were from food insecure households (58.7%), and who had low dietary diversity score (16.1%) were nearly five (AOR=4.72,95% CI (1.44, 15.54)), four (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI (1.50,8.32) and four (AOR=3.61, 95%CI (1.31,9.95)) times more likely to be undernourished as compared to their counterparts, respectively. Conclusion and recommendations: Underweight among women with obstetric fistula in Hamlin Fistula Hospital Addis Ababa Ethiopia was found to be more than three-folds compared to the global prevalence rate (9.7%) for underweight women. Hence, stakeholders should give special emphasis to those residing in rural areas and efforts to strengthening nutritional activities that contribute to reduction of food insecurity and to improve dietary intake could also be important. Key Words: Obstetric fistula, underweight, stigma, household food insecurity, dietary diversity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.