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Reproductive Health
Published in: Reproductive Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

Beyond repair - family and community reintegration after obstetric fistula surgery: study protocol

Authors: Josaphat Byamugisha, Alison El Ayadi, Susan Obore, Haruna Mwanje, Othman Kakaire, Justus Barageine, Felicia Lester, Elizabeth Butrick, Abner Korn, Hadija Nalubwama, Sharon Knight, Suellen Miller

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Obstetric fistula is a debilitating birth injury that affects an estimated 2–3 million women globally, most in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The urinary and/or fecal incontinence associated with fistula affects women physically, psychologically and socioeconomically. Surgical management of fistula is available with clinical success rates ranging from 65–95 %. Previous research on fistula repair outcomes has focused primarily on clinical outcomes without considering the broader goal of successful reintegration into family and community.
The objectives for this study are to understand the process of family and community reintegration post fistula surgery and develop a measurement tool to assess long-term success of post-surgical family and community reintegration.

Methods

This study is an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design including a preliminary qualitative component comprising in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to explore reintegration to family and community after fistula surgery. These results will be used to develop a reintegration tool, and the tool will be validated within a small longitudinal cohort (n = 60) that will follow women for 12 months after obstetric fistula surgery. Medical record abstraction will be conducted for patients managed within the fistula unit. Ethical approval for the study has been granted.

Discussion

This study will provide information regarding the success of family and community reintegration among women returning home after obstetric fistula surgery. The clinical and research community can utilize the standardized measurement tool in future studies of this patient population.
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Metadata
Title
Beyond repair - family and community reintegration after obstetric fistula surgery: study protocol
Authors
Josaphat Byamugisha
Alison El Ayadi
Susan Obore
Haruna Mwanje
Othman Kakaire
Justus Barageine
Felicia Lester
Elizabeth Butrick
Abner Korn
Hadija Nalubwama
Sharon Knight
Suellen Miller
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-015-0100-1

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