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Title Social support among women with genital fistula in Uganda
Full text https://escholarship.org/uc/item/96n4x85t
Date 2023
Author(s) Hotchkiss, Emily; Nalubwama, Hadija; Miller, Suellen; Ryan, Nessa; Barageine, Justus; Byamugisha, Josaphat; Ayadi, Alison M El
Abstract Resulting from prolonged obstructed labour, iatrogenic and traumatic aetiologies, female genital fistula in low-resource settings causes a significant physical and psychosocial burden. Social support is an important mechanism to build resilience to health challenges. This study aimed to understand the role of emotional, informational and tangible social support for Ugandan women affected by fistula. Thirty-three participants who had had fistula surgery 6-24 months prior to the study were recruited from Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Data from in-depth interviews (n = 16) and 4 focus group discussions were analysed thematically using a social support framework. Various individuals were key providers of social support across the different domains. They included family, friends, community organisations, and other women affected by fistula. Social support was critical in helping women cope with fistula, access fistula care, and post-repair recovery. Women relied heavily on tangible and emotional support to meet their physical and psychological needs. Support-enhancing interventions for women and their families, particularly those offering emotional and tangible support, may be a promising strategy for improving the experiences and quality of life of women affected by fistula.
Subject(s) Health Services and Systems; Health Sciences; Clinical Research; Mental Health; Mind and Body; Behavioral and Social Science; Good Health and Well Being; Gender Equality; Female; Humans; Uganda; Quality of Life; Fistula; Social Support; Genitalia; Female genital fistula; social support; recovery; reintegration; Public Health and Health Services; Sociology; Cultural Studies; Public Health; Public health; Anthropology; Gender studies
Coverage 320 - 335
Publisher eScholarship, University of California
Type of publication article
Format application/pdf
Source Culture Health & Sexuality, vol 25, iss 3
Rights public
Identifier qt96n4x85t
Repository Berkeley - University of California
Added to C-A: 2024-03-06;09:49:50