Harrowing experiences of vagina fistula victims in the Kpandai District of Ghana: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Vaginal fistula (VF), particularly vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), remains a significant reproductive health challenge in many low-resource settings, including the Kpandai District of Ghana. Despite its profound physical and psychosocial impact, the lived experiences of affected women in rural districts remain under-documented. AIM: This study explored the lived experiences of women diagnosed with vesicovaginal fistula in the Kpandai District of Ghana, focusing on their physical, emotional, and social challenges, as well as coping strategies. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews with ten women with clinically confirmed VVF. Participants were initially identified through a district health facility and subsequently recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Prolonged and obstructed labour-often occurring at home-emerged as the primary reported cause of VVF. Cultural beliefs, gender-based decision-making dynamics, limited access to healthcare, and financial constraints were key barriers to timely medical intervention. Consequences included persistent urinary incontinence, social stigma, emotional trauma, marital dissolution (reported by eight participants), loss of livelihood, and social isolation. Coping strategies included frequent washing, use of absorbent materials, and reliance on perfumes or herbal remedies. CONCLUSIONS: Vesicovaginal fistula remains a devastating yet largely preventable condition in rural Ghana. The findings highlight the need to strengthen maternal health services, improve timely referral systems, and integrate psychosocial support within community-based care frameworks.