Harrowing experiences of vagina fistula victims in the Kpandai District of Ghana: A qualitative study
- 1Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- 2Department of Health Information, Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho, Ghana
- 3Department of Basic Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
Abstract
Background: Vaginal fistula (VF), particularly vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), remains a significant reproductive health challenge in many low-resource settings, including the Kpandai District of Ghana. Despite its profound physical and psychosocial impact, the lived experiences of affected women in rural districts remain under-documented. Aim: This study explored the lived experiences of women diagnosed with vesicovaginal fistula in the Kpandai District of Ghana, focusing on their physical, emotional, and social challenges, as well as coping strategies. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews with ten women with clinically confirmed VVF. Participants were initially identified through a district health facility and subsequently recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. Results: Prolonged and obstructed labour—often occurring at home—emerged as the primary reported cause of VVF. Cultural beliefs, gender-based decision-making dynamics, limited access to healthcare, and financial constraints were key barriers to timely medical intervention. Consequences included persistent urinary incontinence, social stigma, emotional trauma, marital dissolution (reported by eight participants), loss of livelihood, and social isolation. Coping strategies included frequent washing, use of absorbent materials, and reliance on perfumes or herbal remedies. Conclusions: Vesicovaginal fistula remains a devastating yet largely preventable condition in rural Ghana. The findings highlight the need to strengthen maternal health services, improve timely referral systems, and integrate psychosocial support within community-based care frameworks.
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BibTeX
@article{ahorsu2026harrowing,
title = {{Harrowing experiences of vagina fistula victims in the Kpandai District of Ghana: A qualitative study}},
author = {Eric Elorm Ahorsu and Joshua Adeti and Ernest Kemevor Selasie and Mohammed Ibn Shamsudeen and Cynthia Akos Okumasi and Benjamin Amedume and Justice Wiston Amstrong Jonathan},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0362368},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0362368},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Harrowing experiences of vagina fistula victims in the Kpandai District of Ghana: A qualitative study
AU - Eric Elorm Ahorsu
AU - Joshua Adeti
AU - Ernest Kemevor Selasie
AU - Mohammed Ibn Shamsudeen
AU - Cynthia Akos Okumasi
AU - Benjamin Amedume
AU - Justice Wiston Amstrong Jonathan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/06
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0362368
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0362368
AB - Background: Vaginal fistula (VF), particularly vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), remains a significant reproductive health challenge in many low-resource settings, including the Kpandai District of Ghana. Despite its profound physical and psychosocial impact, the lived experiences of affected women in rural districts remain under-documented. Aim: This study explored the lived experiences of women diagnosed with vesicovaginal fistula in the Kpandai District of Ghana, focusing on their physical, emotional, and social challenges, as well as coping strategies. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth interviews with ten women with clinically confirmed VVF. Participants were initially identified through a district health facility and subsequently recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. Results: Prolonged and obstructed labour—often occurring at home—emerged as the primary reported cause of VVF. Cultural beliefs, gender-based decision-making dynamics, limited access to healthcare, and financial constraints were key barriers to timely medical intervention. Consequences included persistent urinary incontinence, social stigma, emotional trauma, marital dissolution (reported by eight participants), loss of livelihood, and social isolation. Coping strategies included frequent washing, use of absorbent materials, and reliance on perfumes or herbal remedies. Conclusions: Vesicovaginal fistula remains a devastating yet largely preventable condition in rural Ghana. The findings highlight the need to strengthen maternal health services, improve timely referral systems, and integrate psychosocial support within community-based care frameworks.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -