Utilization and determinants of family planning services among women post obstetric fistula repair in Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background: Obstetric Fistula is a significant health problem among women worldwide. Surgical intervention to repair fistula helps in restoring dignity of women. Failure to utilize family planning services after repair exposes women to fistula recurrence.
Objective: To determine utilization of and factors associated with family planning services among women post obstetric fistula repair.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among women who underwent obstetric fistula surgical repair in Kenyatta National Hospital. The study participants were recruited during their follow up clinic visits and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Utilization of family planning services was presented as a proportion and determinants tested using chi-square test and independent t test.
Results: Sixty (60) women with a mean age of 32.4 years (SD +/-7.6 years) were interviewed. More than a half (55%) were married and all were literate. Majority (90%) were aware of family planning methods with 25% using FP after fistula repair. Women who were divorced or separated were 8.4 more likely to use FP methods, (95% CI, 1.7-40.9, p=0.004). Fertility desire was significantly higher among those who did not use contraceptives (p=0.007). Those who had still births in their last delivery and those who planned to get pregnant within 1 year did not use FP.
Conclusion: Utilization of family planning services in women after obstetric fistula repair was found to be low despite receiving counseling on the need to use the services in order to delay pregnancy for at least 6 months.