The Problem of Vaginal Fistulas: Dimensions and Trends

Gatwiri, Kathomi

doi:10.1007/978-981-13-0565-8_2

Cited by 1 publication

(6 citation statements)

References 100 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…There have been similar findings in other studies in Ghana where some women with obstetric fistula needed permission from husbands or mothers-in-law or were prevented from going for treatment 4 29 35. This also resonates with studies in Kenya,9 Bangladesh, Guinea39 and Nepal 40. The study further revealed that women who lacked social support lived longer with the condition and displayed winding healthcare-seeking experiences.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

“…Yet, the issue of rape in the course of seeking treatment for obstetric fistula is worth discussing, since it borders on human rights abuse of the women. Financial exploitation by traditional healers in a bid to cleanse women with fistula has also been reported in Kenya 9 17. Other reports have also confirmed sexual abuse of women with fistula by traditional healers 44.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…Once the women in this study gave metaphysical explanations to obstetric fistula, it became obvious that their treatment pathways would include seeking other forms of treatment. Previous authors have indeed suggested that hospital treatment is considered inappropriate and ineffective when a disease is given a spiritual or metaphysical explanation 9 16 33. In Ghana, faith healing is found in many cultures with each of them having specific healers 34.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This made the women feel uncomfortable travelling in a commercial vehicle. Similarly, other studies mentioned shame and travel difficulties resulting in delay in seeking care for obstetric fistula 4 9 38. This was often compounded by the fact that the women lived far from the fistula repair centres and could not join public transport because of the stench and constant urination.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, majority of women do not have access to care either due to the cost involved, stigma or lack of awareness 4 8. Women’s lack of reproductive decision-making has also been cited as a deterrent to seeking treatment for fistula 9. This leads to delay in accessing treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Health-seeking experiences of women with obstetric fistula: a qualitative study at two fistula centres in Ghana

Asiedua,

Maya,

Ganle

et al. 2023

BMJ Open

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ObjectivesThe study explored the health-seeking experiences of women with obstetric fistula from the onset of the condition until surgical treatment was obtained. It also describes their interactions with health staff and traditional healers.DesignExploratory, descriptive qualitative study.SettingTwo secondary-level health facilities in the northern and central regions of Ghana; data collection took place in 2018–2019.ParticipantsA purposive sample of 37 women who had experienced fistula resulting from childbirth and were awaiting fistula repair at the two fistula centres in Ghana was obtained.Data analysisThematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsHealth-seeking experiences and behaviours of women with obstetric fistula were identified. Six major themes were generated: attribution and perceptions of fistula; competing alternatives/multiple sources of care; limited awareness and access to care; financial barriers; psychosocial challenges, and abuse by healers. The results indicate that the health-seeking experiences of women with obstetric fistula were characterised by long delays in care-seeking. The major themes and subthemes are presented with quotes from participants.ConclusionThe women experienced winding pathways of treatment-seeking due to lack of awareness and incorrect attribution. The major barriers to health-seeking included poverty, challenges with transportation and inadequate repair centres. Increased awareness of obstetric fistula and access to repair centres could shorten the suffering women go through while awaiting fistula treatment. Improved awareness of obstetric fistula and establishment of more fistula centres would be beneficial.

show abstract