Awareness towards obstetric fistula and associated factors among reproductive age group women in Bibugn district, East Gojjam, Amhara, Northwest Ethiopia; Cross sectional study

Abstract Background Obstetric fistula is a hole which develops between female private organs and leaves a woman incontinent of urine or faeces or both. It is a devastating public health problem usually caused by obstructed labour. Its occurrence is correlated with lack of awareness. The key to eliminate obstetric fistula is raising awareness of it and the factors that contribute to it. Objective To assess awareness towards obstetric fistula and associated factors among reproductive age women in Bibugn district, East Gojjam zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was employed to collect data from 612 reproductive age women from May20-June20/2022. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a pretested structured face to face interviewer- administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable analysis were used to identify factors associated with the dependant variable. Result From total sampled participants, of them 608(99.3%) were interviewed, from those 37.8%[95%CI (34, 42%)]study participants had good awareness towards obstetrics fistula. Primary andsecondaryeducation(AOR = 4.91,CI = 3.10,7.99), and (AOR = 6.37, CI = 3.70,10.91) respectively, being urban resident (AOR = 1.71,CI = 1.09,2.67), contraceptive use (AOR = 1.70,CI = 1.04, 2.79), and distance < 30minute on foot from health facility(AOR = 0.42,CI = 0.34,0.79) weresignificantly associated with awareness towards obstetric fistula. Conclusion and Recommendation This study reported that awareness of obstetrics fistula was low compared to previous studies in Ethiopia. Urban residency, education (primary and above), having a history of using contraceptives and proximity to a health facility were significantly associated with awareness towards obstetric fistula. Measures to improve educational level and contraceptive utilization of reproductive age women should be considered.