Maria Lindqvist1, Inger Lindberg2, Margareta Nilsson3, Eva Uustal4, Margareta Persson5. 1. Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: maria.lindqvist@umu.se. 2. Luleå University of Technology, Department of Health Science, Division of Nursing, and Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. Electronic address: inger.lindberg@nll.se. 3. Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: margareta.nilsson@umu.se. 4. Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linköping University, Sweden. Electronic address: eva.uustal@regionostergotland.se. 5. Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: margareta.persson@umu.se.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore women's experiences related to recovery from obstetric anal sphincter muscle injuries (OASIS) one year after childbirth. METHOD: This is a qualitative study based on written responses from 625 women approximately one year after childbirth in which OASIS occurred. Data was obtained from a questionnaire distributed by the national Perineal Laceration Register (PLR) in Sweden. Inductive qualitative content analysis was applied for analysis. RESULTS: The theme "Struggling to settle with a damaged body" indicated that the first year after OASIS involved a struggle to settle to and accept living with a changed and sometimes still-wounded body. Many participants described problems related to a non-functional sexual life, physical and psychological problems that left them feeling used and broken, and increased worries for their future health and pregnancies. However, some women had adjusted to their situation, had moved on with their lives, and felt recovered and strong. Encountering a supportive and helpful health care professional was emphasized as vital for recovery after OASIS. CONCLUSION: This study provides important insights on how women experience their recovery approximately one year after having had OASIS at childbirth, wherein many women still struggled to settle into their damaged bodies. Clear pathways are needed within health care organizations to appropriate health care services that address both physical and psychological health problems of women with prolonged recovery after OASIS.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore women's experiences related to recovery from obstetric anal sphincter muscle injuries (OASIS) one year after childbirth. METHOD: This is a qualitative study based on written responses from 625 women approximately one year after childbirth in which OASIS occurred. Data was obtained from a questionnaire distributed by the national Perineal Laceration Register (PLR) in Sweden. Inductive qualitative content analysis was applied for analysis. RESULTS: The theme "Struggling to settle with a damaged body" indicated that the first year after OASIS involved a struggle to settle to and accept living with a changed and sometimes still-wounded body. Many participants described problems related to a non-functional sexual life, physical and psychological problems that left them feeling used and broken, and increased worries for their future health and pregnancies. However, some women had adjusted to their situation, had moved on with their lives, and felt recovered and strong. Encountering a supportive and helpful health care professional was emphasized as vital for recovery after OASIS. CONCLUSION: This study provides important insights on how women experience their recovery approximately one year after having had OASIS at childbirth, wherein many women still struggled to settle into their damaged bodies. Clear pathways are needed within health care organizations to appropriate health care services that address both physical and psychological health problems of women with prolonged recovery after OASIS.
Authors: M Edqvist; H G Dahlen; C Häggsgård; H Tern; K Ängeby; G Tegerstedt; P Teleman; G Ajne; C Rubertsson Journal: Trials Date: 2020-11-23 Impact factor: 2.279