Lived experiences of refugee women with vaginal fistula in Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements, Isingiro District, Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vaginal fistula (VF) affects 2-3 million women globally, with the majority in Africa. In Uganda, it's 2%, with western Uganda having the highest prevalence. Major predisposing factors for refugee women include health system breakdowns and sexual violence during conflict. VF has severe consequences for women, relatives, and communities. There's limited information on lived experiences among refugee women with VF, and there's a need for quality prevention, treatment, and social reintegration strategies. This study aimed to understand the physical, psychosocial, and economic impacts of VF on refugee women in Nakivale and Oruchinga settlements and their coping mechanisms.

Methods

Ten refugee women with VF were interviewed using qualitative study design, utilizing Soci

SUBMITTER: Opong G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10836010 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature