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Objective To establish the prevalence of depression and describe associated factors among fistula patients attending an obstetric fistula surgical camp in Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted focusing on obstetric fistula patients attending a national fistula camp held in August 2008 at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic data and medical histories for all consenting patients before surgery. Depression measures were obtained using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results Of the 70 women interviewed, 2 (2.9%) and 12 (17.1%) reported a history of psychiatric illness and suicidal ideations, respectively. Depression was present in 51 (72.9%) patients, with 18 (25.7%) meeting criteria for severe depression. Depression was significantly associated with women older than 20 years of age (P = 0.01), unemployment (P = 0.03), lack of social support following fistula (P = 0.04), and living with fistula for over 3 months (P = 0.01). Conclusion Women with obstetric fistula are predisposed to high levels of depression. A holistic management approach, including mental health care and family support, is recommended.

© 2 01 4 M A H ea lt hc ar e Lt d Khisa Weston, Obstetrician, Fistula Surgeon, PhD candidate, University of Manchester, UK; Sabina Wakasiaka, Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Tina Lavender, Professor of Midwifery, University of Manchester, UK; Linda McGowan, Professor of Midwifery, University of Manchester, UK; Malcolm Campbell, Stastician and Lecturer, University of Manchester, UK The correlates of bladder stones and vesico-vaginal fistula