Post - effects of obstetric fistula in Uganda; a case study of fistula survivors in KITOVU mission hospital (MASAKA), Uganda

BACKGROUND: Obstetrical fistula (OF) is a public health challenge that is among the previously neglected components of maternal health in the developing world. The condition, which in the recent past has increasingly drawn more attention from the public, has a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of both women and girls worldwide. The most common cause of obstetric fistula in developing countries is prolonged obstructed labor affecting approximately 2 million women and girls across Africa and Asia. The objective of this study was to examine the post-effects of fistula and reintegration strategies of fistula survivors in Uganda. METHODS: A descriptive case study design was used to collect data from women aged 15–49 years who had experienced OF and been successfully treated/repaired. Data collection was aided by in-depth interview guides designed for collecting qualitative data which was analyzed using thematic and content analysis. RESULTS: The study results showed that 45.6% were aged 18–24 years, 43% had only primary level education and 55.7% of the women were married. Fistula survivors continue to suffer from shame, rejection, isolation and stigma, trauma and disgrace among other effects even after successful repair/surgery. Some of the reintegration strategies for fistula survivors include; seeking for successful repair, remarriage and relocation from their parent communities to new environments. CONCLUSION: In addition to capacity building, changing attitudes and strengthening the health system, a comprehensive and holistic fistula care approach is required to facilitate the reintegration process and restoration of women dignity. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7023-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.