Women’s knowledge of symptoms of obstetric fistula, experiences, and associated factors in Sierra Leone

Most reproductive-aged women in Sierra Leone have knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Factors such as age, education, occupation, media exposure, parity, sexual activity, pregnancy status, abortion history, ethnicity, household structure, and geographic location influence the knowledge of fistula symptoms among women who had a fistula. Based on these findings, the government and partner organisations in Sierra Leone should implement comprehensive health education programs targeting reproductive-aged women, with a specific focus on obstetric fistula prevention, symptoms, and available treatment options.