Sponsor
We would like to thank our partner organizations that made this research possible: the Worldwide Fistula Fund, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, Mekelle University College of Health and Sciences, and Healing Hands of Joy. Publication of this article in an open access journal was funded by the Portland State University Library's Open Access Fund.
Published In
Frontiers in Global Women's Health
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-15-2020
Subjects
Labor (Obstetrics) -- Complications, Reproductive health -- Ethiopia, Vesico-vaginal fistula -- Complications, Urinary incontinence -- Treatment
Abstract
Each year an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula. This devastating but preventable maternal morbidity leaves women incontinent, stigmatized, isolated, and often with a still birth. While fistula rates in Ethiopia have declined in recent years, estimates range from 7 to 40 percent of women suffer from persistent urinary incontinence after successful closure of their fistula. Few studies have focused on the unique experiences and challenges that providers face treating fistula patients, particularly those who experience persistent urinary incontinence. The goal of this research is to characterize the fistula provider's accounts of how to manage, support, and understand their patient's experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of fistula care providers in Mekelle and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The main themes that emerged were a perceived exacerbated impact on quality of life for women with persistent urinary incontinence; a “double hit” of isolation from both their community and from other recovered fistula patients; how the church both influences how patients internalize their injury and provides them with hope and support; and the need for comprehensive and compassionate fistula care. Understanding how providers perceive and relate to their patients provides valuable insight to the unique challenges of treating this population and may better inform treatment programmes to address the gap between patient needs and current fistula care models.
Rights
Copyright © 2020 Jacobson, Marye, Phoutrides and Nardos.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Locate the Document
DOI
10.3389/fgwh.2020.557224
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/34059
Citation Details
Jacobson Laura E., Marye Melaku Abriha, Phoutrides Elena, Nardos Rahel. (2020). Provider Perspectives on Persistent Urinary Incontinence Following Obstetric Fistula Repair in Ethiopia. Frontiers in Global Women's Health.