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Reproductive Health

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Lived experiences of women who developed uterine rupture following severe obstructed labor in Mulago hospital, Uganda

Authors: Dan K Kaye, Othman Kakaire, Annettee Nakimuli, Michael O Osinde, Scovia N Mbalinda, Nelson Kakande

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Maternal mortality is a major public health challenge in Uganda. Whereas uterine rupture remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, there is limited research into what happens to women who survive such severe obstetric complications. Understanding their experiences might delineate strategies to support survivors.

Methods

This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore lived experiences of women who developed uterine rupture following obstructed labor. In-depth interviews initially conducted during their hospitalization were repeated 3–6 months after the childbirth event to explore their health and meanings they attached to the traumatic events and their outcomes. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The resultant themes included barriers to access healthcare, multiple “losses” and enduring physical, psychosocial and economic consequences. Many women who develop uterine rupture fail to access critical care needed due to failure to recognise danger signs of obstructed labor, late decision making for accessing care, geographical barriers to health facilities, late or failure to diagnose obstructed labor at health facilities, and failure to promptly perform caesarean section. Secondly, the sequel of uterine rupture includes several losses (loss of lives, loss of fertility, loss of body image, poor quality of life and disrupted marital relationships). Thirdly, uterine rupture has grim economic consequences for the survivors (with financial loss and loss of income during and after the calamitous events).

Conclusion

Uterine rupture is associated with poor quality of care due to factors that operate at personal, household, family, community and society levels, and results in dire physical, psychosocial and financial consequences for survivors. There is need to improve access to and provision of emergency obstetric care in order to prevent uterine rupture consequent to obstructed labor. There is also critical need to provide counselling and support to survivors to enable them cope with physical, social, psychological and economic consequences.

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Title: Lived experiences of women who developed uterine rupture following severe obstructed labor in Mulago hospital, Uganda
Authors: Dan K Kaye
Othman Kakaire
Annettee Nakimuli
Michael O Osinde
Scovia N Mbalinda
Nelson Kakande
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-11-31

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Lived experiences of women who developed uterine rupture following severe obstructed labor in Mulago hospital, Uganda

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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