TY - JOUR
T1 - Are We Human Beings Like Others? Stigmatization and Discrimination Experiences of Women Living with Obstetric Fistula in the Northern Region of Ghana
AU - Dako-Gyeke, Mavis
AU - Kodom, Richard Baffo
AU - Ntewusu, John
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
PY - 2022/9
Y1 - 2022/9
N2 - This study aimed at exploring stigmatization and discrimination experiences of women living with obstetric fistula (WLOF) in the Northern Region of Ghana. Fifty-five women were identified purposively, and data were collected through focus group discussions and face-to-face in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The focus group discussion and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emerging themes that addressed the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that the WLOF had different views about that condition. In addition, it was found that the women experienced enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma. Evidence showed that many of the participants responded to their experiences by concealing their condition and living in isolation, which negatively affected their psychosocial wellbeing. The findings suggest the need for awareness creation about obstetric fistula, as well as psychosocial interventions that would enhance the dignity, wellbeing, along with the rights of WLOF.
AB - This study aimed at exploring stigmatization and discrimination experiences of women living with obstetric fistula (WLOF) in the Northern Region of Ghana. Fifty-five women were identified purposively, and data were collected through focus group discussions and face-to-face in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The focus group discussion and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emerging themes that addressed the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that the WLOF had different views about that condition. In addition, it was found that the women experienced enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma. Evidence showed that many of the participants responded to their experiences by concealing their condition and living in isolation, which negatively affected their psychosocial wellbeing. The findings suggest the need for awareness creation about obstetric fistula, as well as psychosocial interventions that would enhance the dignity, wellbeing, along with the rights of WLOF.
KW - Discrimination
KW - Fistula
KW - Ghana
KW - Qualitative Research
KW - Stigma
KW - Women
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85126246102&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s41134-022-00209-0
DO - 10.1007/s41134-022-00209-0
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85126246102
SN - 2365-1792
VL - 7
SP - 311
EP - 321
JO - Journal of Human Rights and Social Work
JF - Journal of Human Rights and Social Work
IS - 3
ER -