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Background <p>Obstetric fistula, an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum. It’s caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. A significant number of women face barriers in accessing care, prompting this study to focus on the complicated obstacles hindering effective healthcare, and preventing timely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.</p> Objectives <p>This study investigates the health-seeking behaviors and experiences of obstetric fistula survivors, spanning from the onset of the condition until surgical treatment is obtained.</p> Methodology <p>A qualitative study design, drawing from a phenomenological approach, was employed to explore the lived experience of a purposively selected sample of eight women with obstetric fistula and six key informant interviews which are 5 Experts and 1 Fistula ambassador/ treated. Transcription was used, entered as primary documents into Atlas. ti 9 software. Thematic categories were identified.</p> Results <p>The study identified barriers for health-care seeking and experiences of women with obstetric fistula, Women’s experiences were marked by prolonged suffering, social isolation, and delayed healthcare-seeking. Many initially believed obstetric fistula was caused by spiritual punishment or witchcraft, leading them to seek help from traditional healers rather than medical facilities. Fear of shame, leaking urine, and social rejection discouraged public disclosure and prevented them from traveling to hospitals. Some women remained untreated for years due to lack of financial means or because male family members discouraged seeking help. However, survivors who accessed care typically did so with the encouragement of community health workers or NGOs, and often described the surgery as life-changing.</p> Conclusion <p>Women suffering from obstetric fistula often face complicated routes to seek treatment due to multiple factors. Primary barriers include financial difficulties, lack of awareness about the condition and its treatment, social and cultural challenges, and war. To alleviate the prolonged suffering experienced by women awaiting fistula treatment, it is crucial to increase awareness and improve access to fistula treatment center.</p>

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I feel like an outcast!: qualitative exploration on barriers to seek care among women with obstetric fistula in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月9日

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  • Liya Mamo Weldu,
  • Haben Haileselasie,
  • Znabu Hadush Kahsay,
  • Brhane Ayele,
  • Tsegay Hadgu,
  • Hailay Gebretnsae,
  • Hayelom Kahsay,
  • Ashenafi Asmelash,
  • Tesfu Alemu,
  • Melaku Abrha,
  • Gebrehaweria Gebrekurstose,
  • Mussie Alemayehu Geberselassie,
  • Araya Abrha Medhanyie

摘要

Background

Obstetric fistula, an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum. It’s caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. A significant number of women face barriers in accessing care, prompting this study to focus on the complicated obstacles hindering effective healthcare, and preventing timely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Objectives

This study investigates the health-seeking behaviors and experiences of obstetric fistula survivors, spanning from the onset of the condition until surgical treatment is obtained.

Methodology

A qualitative study design, drawing from a phenomenological approach, was employed to explore the lived experience of a purposively selected sample of eight women with obstetric fistula and six key informant interviews which are 5 Experts and 1 Fistula ambassador/ treated. Transcription was used, entered as primary documents into Atlas. ti 9 software. Thematic categories were identified.

Results

The study identified barriers for health-care seeking and experiences of women with obstetric fistula, Women’s experiences were marked by prolonged suffering, social isolation, and delayed healthcare-seeking. Many initially believed obstetric fistula was caused by spiritual punishment or witchcraft, leading them to seek help from traditional healers rather than medical facilities. Fear of shame, leaking urine, and social rejection discouraged public disclosure and prevented them from traveling to hospitals. Some women remained untreated for years due to lack of financial means or because male family members discouraged seeking help. However, survivors who accessed care typically did so with the encouragement of community health workers or NGOs, and often described the surgery as life-changing.

Conclusion

Women suffering from obstetric fistula often face complicated routes to seek treatment due to multiple factors. Primary barriers include financial difficulties, lack of awareness about the condition and its treatment, social and cultural challenges, and war. To alleviate the prolonged suffering experienced by women awaiting fistula treatment, it is crucial to increase awareness and improve access to fistula treatment center.