Socio-medical consequences of living with obstetric fistula: a phenomenological study of the lived experiences of women in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Obstetric fistula is a distressing condition affecting mothers in Ghana and elsewhere. Most obstetric fistulas are caused by long-term obstructed labor. The majority of women suffering from this condition and their families go through challenging experiences with medical treatment and social integration. This study explored the lived experiences of women with obstetric fistula regarding the socio-medical consequences of the condition in terms of treatment-seeking challenges and socio-cultural integration in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative phenomenology design. In-depth and key-informant interviews were conducted among eleven women with obstetric fistula and three healthcare professionals, respectively, in two sampled health facilities in the Tamale Metropolis. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. The data was collected from January to March 2024. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The results revealed the challenges to seeking treatment for obstetric fistula as financial barriers, repeated/unsuccessful repairs, negative attitude of health professionals, and difficulty coping with postoperative instructions. The socio-economic consequences faced by the women were problems with social integration, stigma and psychological trauma, reduced self-esteem, and loss of sources of income. Some of these difficulties were short-lived, especially following corrective surgery, while new ones emerged in some cases even after surgery. The lived experiences of women with obstetric fistula suggest that financial assistance and psychosocial counseling are necessary to empower victims of obstetric fistula and improve their living conditions. The study recommends that the National Health Insurance Scheme should provide effective coverage for both medical and non-medical financial costs associated with the treatment of obstetric fistula. Trust between healthcare providers and their clients should be established through strong interpersonal relationships and effective training of healthcare professionals. Societal tolerance of women living with obstetric fistula should be enhanced through public sensitization.