Browsing by Author "Mantey, R."
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Item Experiences of Women Living With Obstetric Fistula in the Mfantseman Municipality of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Mantey, R.Background: Obstetric Fistula is an abnormal opening between a woman‟s vagina and bladder (Vesico Vagina Fistula (VVF)) and or rectum (Recto Vagina Fistula (RVF)) through which her urine and or faeces continually leaks. This condition often leads to psychosocial, economic or medical care challenges and a potential threat to quality of life. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of women living with Obstetric Fistula at the Mfantseman Municipal Area (MMA). Methods: This was an exploratory cross-sectional study using qualitative method. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed in recruiting participants in the study. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. Thirty-two (32) females living with fistula in the MMA were interviewed. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Stigmatization, including internal, external and caregiver bias were some of the major challenges encountered by women living with fistula leading to isolation and suicidal tendencies. Women felt either shameful or abnormal because of the leaking and accompanying odour. Interpersonal experiences of stigma occurred such as separation from partners and confrontations with family and community members. Family members of the women were also stigmatized. Many of the women living with fistula developed both positive and negative coping strategies including problem solving (using any available materials to absorb urine or withdrawing from others) and emotional responses (self-encouragement or restlessness and self-worrying) . Conclusion: The study established that women living with fistula in the study area are vulnerable to stigma and some live a life of isolation. However, some develop ways of coping with their condition.Item Womens’ experiences of living with obstetric fistula in Ghana–time for the establishment of a fistula centre of excellence(Midwifery, 2019-12-13) Kotoh, A.M.; Mantey, R.; Barry, M.; Redington, W.Objective: To explore the experiences of women living with Obstetric Fistula in Ghana. Design: A descriptive qualitative design involving face-to-face semi-structured interviews following in- stitutional ethical approval. Setting: Urban and rural setting in the Mfantseman Municipal Area (MMA) in the Central Region (CR) of Ghana Participants: A purposive sample of thirty- two women who had experienced obstetric fistula (OBF) Findings: Three core themes emerged and these were i) Women’s perceptions of OBF, ii) Experiences of women living with OBF iii) Coping strategies of women living with OBF Conclusion and implications for practice: There is a need for a multi-agency coordinated approach to the treatment and management of OBF in Ghana. The findings support the need for a dedicated specialist fistula centre to treat women and to meet the educational needs of health care professionals with strate- gies to prevent as well as support women with OBF. The hub and spoke organisation design for health care systems has proved beneficial in other health settings providing a level of quality that would not be possible otherwise. It is time to end the suffering of women living with obstetric fistula