THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN WITH OBSTETRIC FISTULA IN THE NORTHERN REGION, GHANA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Obstetric fistula is a form of maternal morbidity which can lead to a prolonged disability and poor quality of life. . In this study, the lived experiences of women with obstetric fistula in the Tamale Metropolis were investigated. A qualitative phenomenology design was used to explore the health care needs, treatment challenges, health seeking patterns and socio-cultural consequences of living with obstetric fistula. The study used purposive and snowball sampling techniques to recruit participants. In-depth interviews and key-informant interviews were conducted with eleven obstetric fistula women and three healthcare providers respectively using interview guides. The data was analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. The results showed that improved antenatal care services, access to skilled healthcare practitioners, health facilities and adequate services were the common healthcare needs of the respondents. The treatment challenges reported by the women included financial barriers, repeated/unsuccessful repairs, negative attitude of health professionals, and difficulty coping with postoperative instructions. When seeking treatment for obstetric fistula, the participants tried traditional methods such as spiritual therapies and herbs before finally reporting to the hospital. Extended family members and husbands were found to be the major source of support for women with obstetric fistula in this study. The socio-economic consequence faced by the women were problems with social integration, stigma and psychological trauma, reduced self-esteem, and economic challenges. Some of these difficulties were short-lived especially following corrective surgery while new ones emerged in some cases even after surgery. Therefore, it is critical to give obstetric fistula treatment a top priority and to allocate resources to enhance both the general well-being of women, and the quality and accessibility to fistula treatment. Also, women living with obstetric fistula requires financial support and psychosocial counseling.