The Fistula Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Ongoing Struggle in Education and Awareness

Narcisi, Linda; Tieniber, Andrew; Andriani, Leslie; McKinney, Timothy

doi:10.7257/1053-816x.2010.30.6.341

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…In Eritrea, social reintegration post obstetric Þ stula repair has largely been conducted through counselling and creation of awareness. 64 This is similar to what is done in Northern Ghana in the same regard. 64 Awareness is made to enlighten, guide and counsel patients about their bodies (self-awareness), how to prevent likely complications post-surgery, and future Þ stulas.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

“…64 This is similar to what is done in Northern Ghana in the same regard. 64 Awareness is made to enlighten, guide and counsel patients about their bodies (self-awareness), how to prevent likely complications post-surgery, and future Þ stulas. In the process of counselling, their selfesteem is enriched and they are emotionally prepared for community reintegration.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

“…The obstetric Þ stula patients are predisposed to high level depression which requires holistic approach, family and peer support 36,37,39 and rehabilitation in order to mend the psycho-social wound. 18,63,64 For survivors to be absorbed in an environment that had been hostile, social reintegration is as important as the physical repair so as to gain normal life index. 32 It can be enhanced through providing opportunities and promoting social networking among the patients with their communities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These strategies have proven to be effective in enhancing patients' level of knowledge, correcting mysteries about cause and cure of Þ stula, their esteem, and total behaviour change. [64][65][66] World over, countries have developed national or sub-national strategies for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of obstetric Þ stula patients. Nigeria in collaboration with Tanzania, Sudan, Democratic republic of Congo and Pakistan formulated the Integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Strategy and also adopted and formulated policies to provide free maternal 54 In order to address obstetric Þ stula and issues around it, a number of specialized centers have been constructed while others have integrated Þ stula care into their routine.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Social Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Obstetric Fistula Patients Before and After Repair in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Atuhaire

Ojengbede

Mugisha

et al. 2018

Nepal J Obstet Gynaecol

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Aims: Social reintegration and rehabilitation of obstetric fistula patients before and after repair enhance their overall status, which may be unattainable even with a successful repair. Nonetheless, there is little traceable documentation about it even with supportive programs and projects, the thrust of this study. Methods: This is a systematic review involving a search of relevant literature from PubMed, Google scholar, PsychINFO, African Journals Online, Australian Journals Online, and open access journals of international organizations such as WHO, UNFPA, USAID, Engender Health, Fistula Foundation and Fistula Care Plus published between 1978 to date. Of the 46 articles identified, 25 were suitable for achievement of this study’s purpose. Results:Sub-Saharan African countries have recognized the overall burden of obstetric fistula and have devised strategies for its holistic management. Most countries have National Obstetric Fistula Strategic Frameworks which emphasize multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approaches other than medical paradigms. Social reintegration and rehabilitation have been done through the identification of individual patient’s need/s. Projects and programs aiming to combat obstetric fistula and restore patients’ self-worth and dignity are: Lamaneh Suisse, and Delta Survie in Mali, Dimol in Niger, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in Burundi, FORWARD in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, Handicap International in Benin Republic, Women For Africa in Ghana and Liberia, TERREWODE and CoRSU both in Uganda, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in Ethiopia, and others which cut across the region. Conclusions: Effective social reintegration and rehabilitation strategies are still inadequate in Sub-Saharan Africa due to lack of political commitment and inadequate outreach programs. Keywords: obstetric fistula, recto-vaginal fistula, rehabilitation, social reintegration, vesico-vaginal fistula.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Social Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Obstetric Fistula Patients Before and After Repair in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Atuhaire

Ojengbede

Mugisha

et al. 2018

Nepal J Obstet Gynaecol

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show abstract

“…This condition is preventable and treatable with surgery, which has led to the near eradication of OF in high-income countries since the early 20th century. 2 Yet, OF persists in low-income countries, with an estimated prevalence of 1.60 per 1,000 women in Sub-Saharan Africa. 3 Although many studies have looked at OF in African countries and other areas of the world, few scholarly articles focus on Niger.…”

Section: Proceedings In Obstetrics and Gynecology 2016;6(2):1mentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying barriers to accessing information and treatment for obstetric fistula in Niamey, Niger

Meurice

Genadry

Bradley

et al. 2016

Proc Obstet Gynecol

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Objective: To identify barriers to accessing information and treatment regarding obstetric fistula (OF) unique to Niger encountered by women referred to the National Referral Fistula Center. Method: A questionnaire was administered at the National Referral Fistula Center to 29 women with OF. Qualitative and quantitative statistics were computed. Results: The average individual was 30.4 years old, illiterate and from a rural area. 76.0% had antenatal care, the average labor time was 3.04 days, and 88.0% had a physician-assisted delivery. Barriers to information included rural dwelling, lack of education, lack of understanding of cause despite contact with health care workers, lack of knowledgeable resources to seek advice from or lack of ability/interest, not given specific information about availability of treatment, and not utilizing available resources to disseminate information. Barriers to treatment included lack of information regarding condition and treatment, traditional healer utilization, inability to access adequate care for condition, delay for childbirth recovery, permission needed to seek treatment, cost, timely treatment unavailable, and lack of social support. Conclusion: Improving efficiency of getting women to the hospital at time of delivery, prompt referrals for OF, and using cell phones for disseminating information or accessing transport may benefit women with OF in Niger.

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Reoperative Surgery for Rectovaginal Fistula

Zmora

Wasserberg

2012

Reconstructive Surgery of the Rectum, Anus and Perineum

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The Fistula Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Ongoing Struggle in Education and Awareness

Abstract: This article examines the social and physical causes of obstetric fistulas, as well as resulting social and psychological consequences. Preventative strategies are addressed using Niger as a microcosm for this devastating condition that affects two million women worldwide.

Cited by 6 publications

References 8 publications

Social Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Obstetric Fistula Patients Before and After Repair in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Social Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Obstetric Fistula Patients Before and After Repair in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Identifying barriers to accessing information and treatment for obstetric fistula in Niamey, Niger

Reoperative Surgery for Rectovaginal Fistula

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