Browsing by Author "Chapa, James John"

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    Knowledge, attitude and practice on risk factors for obstetric fistula among women of reproductive age in Rukwa, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2018) Chapa, James John
    The knowledge, attitude and practice towards risk factors for obstetric fistula are crucial in prevention of this devastating condition. In Tanzania, not much have been done regarding the study subject. The objective was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice on obstetric fistula risk factors among women of reproductive age in Rukwa region. The social ecological model was used to understand how individual, interpersonal, community factors and public health policies influence behavior of women of reproductive age in recognizing the importance of behavior change in relation to prevention of obstetric fistula. Symbolic interactionist theory was also used to see how society perceive obstetric fistula and how this perception contribute to stigma and social isolation that women with this condition suffer. This was a cross-sectional study design. It was a concurrent triangulation. Data collection was done using questionnaires for quantitative and interviews and focus group discussions for qualitative data generation. Data analysis was then done using the SPSS version 23 for windows. A total of 278 women participated in quantitative study. Two focus group discussions were conducted and four key informants were interviewed. The Knowledge was poor, as only 6.5% of respondents had higher knowledge level. The attitude was however positive to majority of the respondents while practice was fair to majority of them. There is then a demand for information regarding fistula in women of reproductive age as majority lack knowledge. The government should improve health care delivery services to its facilities. Fistula activities should be under reproductive health directorate that will give it a weight it deserves, and through it effective strategies for prevention. It is high time now that traditional birth attendants stick to their role of initiating timely referral but not conducting deliveries. This study was limited to women only, I would recommend the participation of men who are key players when it comes to reproductive issues in future study.