Mutiso, S.Weston, K.Mwangi, J. W.Qureshi, Z.Beard, J.Venkat, P.2014-09-022014-09-022011-10International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics Volume 115, Issue 1, October 2011, Pages 31–330020-7292http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0020729211003225/1-s2.0-S0020729211003225-main.pdf?_tid=85abb1fc-329e-11e4-848b-00000aab0f01&acdnat=1409661895_50adf506ed2d1e4d4a7acc8e3072e98bhttp://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/11120DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.04.015Objective 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.enDepressionHolistic managementObstetric fistulaArticle