$otiaI Problems of Women with Obstetric Fistula in Ethiopia: The c~ of Women Taking Medical Treatment at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examzne the social problems of women with
obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, with particular emphasis on women taking treatment
at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. This purpose necessitated to assess what social
problems the women face, the causes for the social problems, the life experience
and social relations the women have had since the problem occurred and what
changes they except in their lives after getting the treatment.
To this end, qualitative research method supported by quantitative method was
employed. In-depth interview, secondary documents and observation were used
to collect data. Thirty seven women who were taking treatment at Addis Ababa
Fistula Hospital were purposely picked with the criteria: willingness to take part
in the interview, cause of the fistula formation, that is, women with fistula as a
result of obstructed labor and number of years without getting treatment, in this
case, women who had the problem for one and above years without getting
treatment.
The result of the study revealed that consequent to the occurrence of obstetric
fistula, the women face different kinds of social problems. They become
separated from their husbands; become economic dependents on family or
friends; are exposed to verbal and physical harassments; isolate themselves from
any kind of social activity and do not expect to lead a normal life again even after
they are being cured. The major cause of their social problems, among other
things, is lack of awareness in the society about the problem and the desire to
have children. The result also revealed that there are no adequate numbers of
organizations or centers to help alleviate the social problems of these women. On
top of all these, despite effort by the government to expand health centers for
women to get immediate maternity care during pregnancy and childbirth, the
extent of the current need entail that it cannot be satisfied in a short period of
time.
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Women with Obstetric