Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
As a partner on the Fistula Care Plus (FC+) project, the Population Council is conducting implementation research that tests solutions to treatment barriers. Formative research in Nigeria’s Ebonyi State found that a lack of knowledge among lower-level providers and women and families of how the condition occurs, where treatment is available, and the signs and symptoms of obstetric fistula, as well as transportation costs, affect women’s access to screening and repair. Baseline data reveal the necessity of a comprehensive intervention to address fistula treatment barriers in Ebonyi. Not only do primary healthcare providers lack adequate knowledge of fistula, referral, and counseling, but women and community members report that access barriers to fistula centers bring persistent logistical, financial, awareness, and social challenges. These findings inform the intervention, which builds on existing enablers in Ebonyi, such as media communication and social/transport support, and aims to promote greater access to fistula repair in the state.
Recommended Citation
"Reducing barriers to accessing fistula repair: Establishing a baseline in Ebonyi," brief. Washington, DC: Population Council, 2017.
DOI
10.31899/rh7.1038
Language
English
Project
Reducing Barriers to Fistula Care
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, International Public Health Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Women's Health Commons