A systematic review and meta-analysis on the recovery time of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, 2023.

Introduction: Obstetric fistula is a birth injury that causes the vagina to open abnormally. As a result, women may experience urinary leakage, which can lead to isolation, depression, and a lower quality of life. Due to the scarcity of evidence regarding the average recovery time for obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, Therefore, this study aimed to assess the recovery time for women with obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.

Methods: Between September and 8 November 2023, published studies were searched using online databases including PubMed, Hinari, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar. The systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Study quality was assessed using Egger's test and a visual inspection of funnel plot symmetry. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 17 software. A random-effects model was employed for analysis, and the Cochrane Q-test and I² statistics were used to assess heterogeneity among studies.

Result: A total of six studies were included in this analysis. The minimum and maximum median survival times were 2.67 and 5.19 weeks, respectively. The pooled median recovery time was 4.05 weeks (95% CI: 2.92, 5.18) based on the random effects model. Heterogeneity among the included studies assessed by the I² statistic was 97.72% (p = 0.000). The p-value for Egger's regression test (0.017) was significant, indicating evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion: The findings reveal a pooled median recovery time of 4.05 weeks, with considerable heterogeneity. Although these figures provide valuable insights, the presence of publication bias was evidenced by the asymmetric funnel plot and significant Egger's test. Efforts to address publication bias are essential to improve future meta- the reliability of the surveys has increased.

Registration: The protocol for this systematic review was pre-registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration Number: CRD42023270497).