Introduction: Obstetric Fistula is a medical condition that causes significant maternal suffering and mortality. This study was aimed to identify the different cultural and health system related factors associated with obstetric fistula cases. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the National Fistula Center in Mendefera, Eritrea. Data was collected by interviewing a total of 49 cases with obstetrical fistula admitted to the fistula center in the period from November 2013 to February 2014. Results: Age at first intercourse, age at first pregnancy, the number of pregnancies, parity, circumcision, place of delivery, educational status, residence, the order of pregnancy, duration of labor, and the distance of the nearest delivery service from home were associated with the fistula status of the participants. Conclusion: The Eritrean Ministry of Health and other concerned bodies should strengthen their efforts to increase awareness of the community, expand antenatal care to the remote places, and implement low-cost community interventions to reduce or control the impact of the cultural, and health system related factors with obstetric fistula.
