Bio-psycho-social impacts and challenges of obstetric fistula on women in northern Ghana

This study is intended to assess the bio-psychosocial effects of obstetric fistulas (OF) on women and the subsequent consequences and impacts on relationships and self esteem of affected womenparticularly in northern Ghana. To facilitate effective discussion of findings, literature was reviewed from international, national and local perspectives.A quantitative research technique was used to obtain data in order to assess the stigma, prognosis, psychosocial impact and other challenges of people living with fistulas and receiving treatment at the Tamale Fistula Centre. The study design used was cross sectional sample survey.Simple random,convenient and non-purposive sampling technique was used to select one hundred (100) obstetric fistula respondents at the Tamale Fistula Centre at the Tamale West Hospital. To achieve the set objective, the study employed both primary (questionnaires, interviews and observation) and secondary (documented evidence, namely, hospital reports, Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Ministry of Health (MOH)Annual Reports and internet materials) in the data collection process. The information obtained was organized and analysed using Microsoft Word and Excel and presented in the form of tables and graphs. This was subsequently discussed by comparing the conformity or otherwise of the findings to exisiting literature. The study revealed that the respondents loss 234 children as against 192 alive and since recognizing their condition, 43% of respondents were despised by their husbands, 35% of respondents were completely abandoned by their husbands, while 90% of the respondents affirmed that their relationship with people in the community was badly affected as a result of the condition. In addition, 66% of respondents were not allowed to participate in traditional activities, while 97% indicated that obstetric fistula has led to low self-esteem in them. The study recommends that women and families should seek family planning advice from health professionals and report signs and symptomsfor early care to prevent obstetric complications. In addition, treatment for OF should be made free for all affected individuals.