Treatment-seeking behaviour and social status of women with pelvic organ prolapse, 4th-degree obstetric tears, and obstetric fistula in western Uganda
Loading...
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International urogynecology journal
Abstract
This study looks at a trilogy of
women’s health issues including severe pelvic organ prolapse,
unrepaired 4th degree obstetric tears and obstetric fistula, all
of which can cause significant suffering in the lives of women
and their families.
Methods Women undergoing surgery for severe pelvic organ
prolapse, unrepaired 4th degree obstetric tears and obstetric
fistulae, were interviewed to assess their perceptions of what
caused their condition, subsequent impact on their social
situation and sexual activity, and whether they had sought
treatment previously.
Results One hundred fifty women participated in the survey,
including 69 undergoing surgery for genito-urinary fistula, 25
with faecal incontinence only (including 24 women with
unrepaired 4th degree obstetric tears and 1 woman with an
isolated rectovaginal fistula), and 56 women with severe
pelvic organ prolapse. All groups of women were exposed
to abandonment by their families with 42 % of women with
genito-urinary fistula, 21 % with unrepaired 4th degree obstetric
tear, and 25 % of women with severe pelvic organ
prolapse rejected by their husbands. Most of the women had
actively sought treatment for their condition with no success
due to unavailability of treatment or misinformation.
Conclusions This study confirms the social stigma associated
with obstetric fistula, however also highlights the social stigma
faced by women suffering with severe pelvic organ prolapse
and unrepaired 4th degree obstetric tears in western
Uganda. There is an urgent need for education and training
in obstetric management and pelvic organ prolapse management
in such areas of limited resources.
Description
Keywords
Social status, Obstetric fistula, Pelvic organ prolapse, Obstetric anal sphincter injury
Citation
Krause, H. G., Natukunda, H., Singasi, I., Hicks, S. S., & Goh, J. T. (2014). Treatment-seeking behaviour and social status of women with pelvic organ prolapse, 4th-degree obstetric tears, and obstetric fistula in western Uganda. International urogynecology journal, 25(11), 1555-1559. DOI 10.1007/s00192-014-2442-6