title: Obstetric fistula in low-income countries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify, survey, and systematically review the current knowledge regarding obstetric fistula as a public health problem in low-income countries from the peer-reviewed literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Medline and Science Citation Index databases were searched to identify public health articles on obstetric fistula in low-income countries. Quantitative evidence-based papers were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-three articles met the criteria for inclusion: 18 hospital-based reviews; 6 on risk factors/prevention; 4 on prevalence/incidence measurement; 3 on consequences of obstetric fistula; and 2 on community-based assessments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obstetric fistula has received increased international attention as a public health problem, but reliable research on the burden of disease and interventions is lacking.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Alice X
authors.initials: AX
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Frank W J
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014624:Vaginal Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology