PURPOSE: To explore the psycho-social impact of vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) on women in Niger. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative study on 21 women in convalescence at the DIMOL Reproductive Health Center in Niamey, Niger, in 2008 and 2009. The women had undergone 1-3 fistula repair operations and all had stillborn infants. RESULTS: Women reported many psychological consequences of VVF including depression, feelings of shame, and loneliness. Others reported feeling devalued as a woman and wanting to end their lives. Social consequences of fistula reported by these women included rejection from society, isolation, rejection from husband and/or divorce. Almost half of the women reported of having lost their social network and support as a result of the fistula. Women with VVF were deemed unworthy, and their illness was often attributed to some fault of their own. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the notion that socio-economic factors, though they certainly contribute to obstetric fistula, are not the primary reason for fistula, particularly in Niger. Fistula is a direct result of lack of access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care.
PURPOSE: To explore the psycho-social impact of vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) on women in Niger. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative study on 21 women in convalescence at the DIMOL Reproductive Health Center in Niamey, Niger, in 2008 and 2009. The women had undergone 1-3 fistula repair operations and all had stillborn infants. RESULTS:Women reported many psychological consequences of VVF including depression, feelings of shame, and loneliness. Others reported feeling devalued as a woman and wanting to end their lives. Social consequences of fistula reported by these women included rejection from society, isolation, rejection from husband and/or divorce. Almost half of the women reported of having lost their social network and support as a result of the fistula. Women with VVF were deemed unworthy, and their illness was often attributed to some fault of their own. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the notion that socio-economic factors, though they certainly contribute to obstetric fistula, are not the primary reason for fistula, particularly in Niger. Fistula is a direct result of lack of access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care.
Authors: Alison M El Ayadi; Justus K Barageine; Suellen Miller; Josaphat Byamugisha; Hadija Nalubwama; Susan Obore; Abner Korn; Smrithi Sukumar; Othman Kakaire; Haruna Mwanje; Felicia Lester; Janet M Turan Journal: Cult Health Sex Date: 2019-04-30
Authors: Itengre Ouedraogo; Christopher Payne; Rahel Nardos; Avril J Adelman; L Lewis Wall Journal: Int Urogynecol J Date: 2017-06-09 Impact factor: 2.894
Authors: Karen D Cowgill; Jennifer Bishop; Amanda K Norgaard; Craig E Rubens; Michael G Gravett Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2015-08-26 Impact factor: 3.007