Strengthening Social Support Networks for the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Obstetric Fistula Patients in South-East, Nigeria

Abstract

Obstetric fistula is a maternal health injury and disease affecting women in low-income resource countries of Africa including Nigeria. While there has been significant improvement in making treatment more accessible, the long-term needs of victims for social, emotional, psychological, and economic support after Obstetric fistula repairs have received little attention. In this study, we explored the social support networks of fistula survivors in South East Nigeria, in understanding how to strengthen their reintegration experiences. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, we extracted information from 56 participants comprising 34 fistula survivors/outpatients, 10 inpatients, and 12 caregivers at a National Obstetric Fistula Referral Facility in Southeast Nigeria. The generated data were analyzed thematically. Participants reported that support from families, church, and the government were drivers for their rehabilitation and reintegration; and social support was an important source of strength and hope in the health-seeking pathways of the women. Social support policy shift as well as community health promotion and grassroots awareness creation will help to accelerate the reintegration of women with OF into their communities after rehabilitation. Such policies will help strengthen Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and stimulate radical multidisciplinary interventions for the proper integration of fistula patients in Nigeria. To achieve the recommendations, there is a need for social work professional collaborations, hence, the study has practice implications for the social work service delivery in the Nigerian healthcare system. Future research may consider using a quantitative research design to have a general view of the respondents on strengthening social support networks on rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of obstetric fistula, this will create more room for better service provision, and also an advancement in social service research.