Bio-Psychosocial Experiences of Obstetric Fistula Survivors at Nkwanta North District in Oti Region

Abstract

Obstetric fistula continues to be a significant public health concern and one of the most devastating conditions affecting women in sub-Saharan Africa. This severe childbirth injury predominantly occurs in regions with limited access to quality maternal healthcare, significantly impacting the physical and psychosocial well-being of the affected women. Despite global maternal health advancements, an estimated 2 to 3.5 million women, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, live with untreated obstetric fistula. The study explored the bio-psychosocial experiences of obstetric fistula survivors at Nkwanta North District in Oti Region using the bio-psychosocial model as its theoretical framework. The study utilized an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach. A purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 10 participants from the Kpassa community who met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study. In-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with these participants. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and manually analysed using thematic content analysis. This process uncovered five main themes and 19 sub-themes, three of which aligned with the bio-psychosocial model. It encompassed the biological, psychological and social experiences of women affected by obstetric fistula and two themes emerged after content analysis which comprised spiritual experiences and coping strategies employed by obstetric fistula survivors in managing their condition. The findings in this study agree with the literature that obstetric fistula survivors encounter numerous bio-psychosocial challenges resulting in significant disabilities. The study recommends that opinion leaders and policymakers take prompt action to establish advanced fistula treatment centres throughout all regions of Ghana. These centres should offer comprehensive care addressing the biological, psychological and social dimensions of the condition alongside strategies for reintegrating affected women into society.