13 May 2022 · 1 min read
Study documents challenges of rural women living with obstetric fistula
GIMPA’s Research Newsletter (September 2025) features 'Challenges of rural women living with obstetric fistula: A phenomenological study' by Prof. Stephen T. Odonkor and Theodora N. Yeboah, published in Women and Birth. The study reports psychosocial, physical and economic challenges including divorce, incontinence and loss of livelihood, leaving women dependent on family members.
Authors: Stephen T. Odonkor & Theodora N. Yeboah
Challenges of rural women living with obstetric fistula: A phenomenological study
This paper seeks to explore the challenges and post-surgery integration needs among rural women living with obstetric fistula. A critical exploratory research methodology based on phenomenology was used to conduct in-depth oneon-one interviews. A systematic analysis of data was then done to identify and categorize emerging themes. Published in Women and Birth, the results showed that those who lived with obstetric fistulae experienced psychosocial, physical, and economic challenges. Dominant among the psychological challenges identified were disruptions in social relations, divorce and loss of a baby through neonatal death. Physical challenges include rashes and sores, foot drop, and incontinence of urine. Economically, these women lost their source of livelihood and were heavily dependent on other family members. Support from family was also found to be key to the post-surgery integration of the women.