Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41025389›Full record

ReviewInternational journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics2026

Knowledge of obstetric fistulas and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aster Shiferaw, Getachew Tilaye Mihiret, Mastewal Yechale Mihret

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Aster ShiferawDepartment of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Getachew Tilaye MihiretDepartment of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Mastewal Yechale MihretDepartment of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesObstetric fistula is a complication occurring in childbearing women. It is a major problem in developing countries and results in poor childhood development and limited use of obstetric care. The aim of this study was to show the pooled prevalence of knowledge of obstetric fistulas among reproductive age women.

methodSeveral databases and websites were searched to find articles. Studies conducted on the knowledge of obstetric fistula and associated factors in women of reproductive age in Ethiopia up to February 20, 2023, were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for cross-sectional study was used for quality assessment, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used for review. Seven studies were included in total. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random effect model, and subgroup analysis was carried out. Egger's and Begg's tests were used to assess for publication bias. Finally, tests were conducted to determine the impact of related factors on obstetric fistula knowledge.

resultsThe pooled prevalence of knowledge of obstetric fistula among reproductive age women was 43.9%. Attending formal education (AOR = 3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43, 6.05), urban residence (AOR = 4.65, 95% CI = 2.79, 6.52), having antenatal care (ANC) history (AOR = 5.69, 95% CI = 2.03, 9.3), having family planning (FP) history (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.11, 3.9), home distance from health institution that took ≤30 min by foot (AOR = 3.85, 95% CI = 2.47, 5.23), and ever having been pregnant (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.25, 4.11).

conclusionIn this study, most women of reproductive age did not know anything about obstetric fistulas. Knowledge about obstetric fistulas was strongly associated with living in an urban area, walking ≤30 min to and from a medical facility, having a history of ANC or FP, and having ever been pregnant. Therefore, it is important to advocate for women's education, access to maternity and child health services, communication with medical professionals, and proximity to health facilities.

Indexed as

associated factorsEthiopiaknowledgeobstetric fistulareproductive age women

Identifiers

PMID41025389
PMCPMC12936643

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