Uncovering Stories of Resilient Women with Obstetric Fistula at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital: A Case Study
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Using the construct of resil ience, this study looks at the experiences of 10 women with the
stories of obstetric fistula who "somehow" manage to fu nction well , live well and asp ire well
despite faci ng multiple challenges in their li ves. Through the qualitative analys is, it became clear
that the women identified different stages of reactions to their di ffic ulti es. In-depth qualitative
interviews with those women with the stories of obstetric fistula who have been receiving social
supports and medical treatment at Addis Ababa Fistu la Hospi tal for over the four years explored
the variables of ri sk, and strengths on the basis of individual functioning. Narrative analysis
explored the sal ient issues related to the women's perceptions of social support reso urces, social
roles (a purpose to life) and the social integration all of which indicate low as well as their high
social iso lation and limited social network. Moreover, this study uncovers the presence of 10
ind ividual strengths as well as processes through which these strengths were important in the
experience of women's res ilience. Qualitative findings suggest that role quality and responsibility
of managing their life affairs and personal concerns as measured by their work-life experiences
and social integration and group supports were inadequate as they received significantly fewer
sources of support and used fewer support strategies. However, the variable of individual
strengths could be appreciated and promoted since it indicated their higher levels of the
individual functioning than the levels of individual risk. Thus, the qualitative research supports
the usefulness of identifyi ng and bui lding upon individual and group strengths. To this end,
human services providers including social work services should collaborate with the hospital by
joining new flexib ility and support strategies in life ski lls domain.
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Uncovering Stories of Resilient Women with Obstetric Fistula