SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF OBSTETRIC FISTULA CONDITON ON WOMEN IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF GHANA..

ABSTRACT Obstetric fistula(OF) was eradicated in developed countries through improved access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care (CEmOC) and services but the condition is still prevalent in developing countries such as Ghana due to inadequate access to CEmOC and poor access to health facilities mostly in remote areas. This study sought to explore the socio-economic effects of OF on its sufferers in the Central Region of Ghana. The study adopted qualitative research approach and case study design with its interpretivist qualities due to the purpose of the study. Interview guide was the main instrument used to collect data from 40 participants which comprised 21 sufferers and 19 key informants using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Major factors found responsible for OF in the Central Region of Ghana include, traditional beliefs and practices, low income and poverty, among others. The social consequences of OF on its patients consisted of disgrace and shame, social isolation and labeling. In addition, both patients and expatients were found to be verbally abused and humiliated. Economic effects on patients found were high expenditure and lower income. The social and economic supports for patients were found to be inadequate and community based social welfare and protection systems were lacking. It was concluded that though treated women enjoyed some social and economic freedom, OF imposed devastating social and economic problems on its sufferers in the Central Region of Ghana. This calls for the need for government, health and social workers in the Central Region to improve on social support systems to save the lives of affected women and avoid redevelopment of fistula among treated women to promote national development. Major recommendations proposed included the need for rural community-based pre-natal education, increased poverty reduction efforts, among others.