Community Reintegration of Obstetric Fistula Survivors: A Literature Review

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Concentration

Certified Nurse Midwife

Abstract

"Obstetric fistula is a serious maternal morbidity which develops because of an obstructed labor when the woman is not provided necessary medical intervention in the form of a cesarean birth. The underlying causes of obstetric fistula are complex and multifactorial. Many women lack the necessary economic means to travel to a hospital which can conduct the repair, or they may not have supportive family or friends who will advocate on their behalf. In remote areas of Asia and Africa, many non-profit and governmental organizations work to repair women's fistulas, but the research is scant regarding reintegration of women back into their communities after surgery. In this literature review, we partnered with One by One, a non-profit that wanted to know the extent of existing best practices for reintegration after obstetric fistula repair. We identified 13 articles in the past 10 years which discuss themes surrounding successful reintegration of obstetric fistula survivors. These themes include economic empowerment, a return to social roles, family support, linkage to ongoing care, community education, survivors as advocates, and solidarity peer groups. Using these themes, along with existing research about reintegration of people with other stigmatizing conditions (HIV), we discuss best practices going forward to end the problem of fistula among disenfranchised groups."

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