The Lived Experiences and Social Circumstances of Women Suffering from Obstetric Fistula in Uganda: A Qualitative Inquiry

Jennifer asiimwe, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)

Obstetric fistula, a severe complication resulting from prolonged obstructed labor, disproportionately affects women in low-resource settings, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (Ahmed & Tunçalp, 2015; Den Hollander, 2020). This study explores the lived experiences and social circumstances of Ugandan women suffering from obstetric fistula, focusing on their medical journeys, social stigma, and interactions with healthcare systems. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 women at Kitovu Mission Hospital in August 2024, all undergoing corrective surgery. The phenomenological approach and thematic analysis revealed key themes: significant delays in healthcare access, severe emotional and psychological impacts including shame and isolation, stigma-driven social isolation, and substantial economic challenges. Findings highlight systemic barriers such as inadequate medical intervention and infrastructural deficits, alongside the profound psychological distress exacerbated by societal stigma. Despite these challenges, family support emerges as crucial in the recovery process. Recommendations include expanding maternal health services in rural areas, increasing community education to reduce stigma, implementing psycho social support programs, and developing economic reintegration initiatives. Addressing these multifaceted issues is essential for improving the lives of women affected by obstetric fistula in Uganda.

Keywords: Qualitative data/methods/approaches, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Health and Morbidity, The Demography of Indigenous Populations

See extended abstract.