Women's perceptions and experiences of post-operative physiotherapy management at an Obstetric Fistula Center in Eldoret, Kenya
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Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Post-operative physiotherapy plays a vital role in the management of patients with
incontinence in order to optimise the outcome of obstetric fistula surgery. Women who
suffer residual urinary incontinence continue to experience shame, social isolation and
institutional rejection. Incontinence continues to impair them leading to lower levels of role
participation and restriction in most activities. Gynocare Fistula Center, Eldoret, receives a
number of referrals for women with obstetric fistula requiring surgical and physiotherapy
care. Many studies have focused on the determinants of surgical outcomes and social reintegration
but none have focused on woman's perceptions and experiences with postoperative
physiotherapy. While continence is not always achieved immediately after
surgery, this study was designed to explore women's perceptions and experience of postoperative
physiotherapy management at an obstetric fistula center in Eldoret,Kenya.
Participants were then asked about their experiences and related perceptions and perceived
challenges regarding the physiotherapy service following discharge from the Center. An
explorative qualitative method was used to explore the women's perceptions and
experiences of the post-operative physiotherapy management, as well as their perceived
challenges regarding access to physiotherapy post discharge.
Description
Masters of Science - Msc (Physiotherapy)
Keywords
Prolonged obstructed labour, Vesico-vaginal and recto-vaginal fistula, Obstetric fistula surgery/repair, Residual/stress urinary incontinence, Post-operative physiotherapy