Exploring delays in accessing timely obstetric care contributing to obstetric fistula in Zambia: a qualitative study

Lufumpa, Eniya K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0933-8011 (2020). Exploring delays in accessing timely obstetric care contributing to obstetric fistula in Zambia: a qualitative study. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Obstetric fistulas are a preventable and debilitating childbearing injury unique to lower-income settings and result from inappropriate management of prolonged obstructed labour. While this injury is a problem across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), little is known regarding the context of Zambia. This thesis aimed to understand contributing factors to the development of obstetric fistulas among Zambian women, using the Three Phase Delay Model as a framework.

A systematic review was carried out to identify barriers and facilitators to the prevention of obstetric fistulas within SSA. This provided the context for a qualitative study set in Zambia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from the following groups: women who had experienced complicated labours, the support system of women with obstetric fistulas, and healthcare providers for labouring women. Interviews aimed to explore factors that led to the development of obstetric fistulas from those perspectives.

Our findings indicated that health education, addressing the accessibility of healthcare facilities, and improving transferral services between these facilities are instrumental for women reaching and receiving timely care. They shed light on the multifactorial and interrelated elements that influence the development of obstetric fistulas. There is a need for an interdisciplinary approach to address and implement effective preventive measures.

Type of Work:	Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type:	Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):	Supervisor(s) Email ORCID Lindenmeyer, Antje UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Doos, Lucy UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Licence:	All rights reserved
College/Faculty:	Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Medical & Dental Sciences
School or Department:	Institute of Applied Health Research
Funders:	None/not applicable
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
URI:	http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/11088

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