Exploring the impact of socioeconomic factors and emotional distress on the well-being of women with obstetric fistula in selected Nigerian hospitals: A cross-sectional study

An avoidable birth injury that has serious social and emotional repercussions is an obstetric fistula (OF). Although it has been eradicated in high-income nations, it is still common in low- and middle-income areas, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. With an emphasis on the impact of socioeconomic factors and emotional distress in particular hospitals, this study investigates the social and emotional well-being of women with OF in South-West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, with data collected through a structured questionnaire. The study targeted women aged 15–49 who received OF treatment at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, and University College Hospital, Ibadan. A purposive sample of 120 participants was selected. Data were collected over six months (24th January – July 23, 2023) and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Among respondents, 41.7% reported low well-being, 40.8% high well-being, and 17.5% moderate well-being. Chi-square tests showed significant associations between marital status ( χ 2 = 11.02, P = 0.02), religion ( χ 2 = 17.11, P = 0.01), and place of residence ( χ 2 = 7.26, P = 0.02) with well-being, while age, ethnicity, education, occupation, and parity had no significant influence. The social and emotional health of women with OF is greatly impacted by their marital status, place of residence, and religious affiliation. This study highlight the significance of community-based efforts to reduce stigma, context-specific psychological interventions, and improved access to healthcare services. In order to help impacted women recover and reintegrate into society, nursing practice must incorporate these sociodemographic factors into thorough, patient-centered care plans that holistically address the psychosocial difficulties they face.