For many an abnormal opening or passage between two organs or between an organ and the surface of the body can be due to a lot of things including accidents whether pricks, breakages and cuts which is the case for the for the Fistulas infection which may be complexes such as injury, infection, or inflammation, or may be created during surgery.
Fistulas are usually the result of trauma or surgery, but can also result from infection or inflammation. Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by obstructed labour. The Optiven Foundation joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula which has for the years been a huge and gross plummet to the society and to the ladies in the society.
Through its four pillars and particularly the health pillar, the Optiven Foundation has been of great support in ending this challenge in the society, through issuance of sanitary pads and mentorship programs that sensitise girls in teenage stages to get the knowledge of how to handle and properly get h help in case of such difficulties.
But what is fistula? It is an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina identified in the secondary stages of an infection. The Foundation in partnership with the different stakeholders have been able to widely assist those who have been found to be the victims of the infection.
The psycho-social impact of obstetric fistula was identified in all selected studies. Reported impacts were loss of marriage (divorce), depression, stigma, low self-esteem, discrimination and abandonment. In addition, social isolation, ostracization, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, loss of identity, helplessness, sadness and loneliness were reported.
Girls with obstetric fistula are subjected to adverse experiences including lack of support, social stigma and economic incapability which exposes them to various mental health issues such as depression, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness and loss of dignity as revealed in this present review. Similarly, high rates of depression have been reported in Kenya which affects their health-seeking behaviour.
Optiven Foundation has been an impactful institution in the growth of the civic education and aiding of the know on how to tackle such situations. In addition, girls with obstetric fistula were reported to suffer low self-esteem, stigma and discrimination.
This possibly explains why most women in this present review were socially isolated. Further, evidence suggests a low knowledge and awareness of obstetric fistula. Optiven Foundation has seen to a systematic flow of the soft arm to the girls who have been under siege of the infection which has also stretched families into fiscal debts thus with the financial support and assistance has seen to many get medical check ups and end up being treated.
To partner with the Optiven Group Foundation
- Send your donation – Mpesa Paybill Number 898 630, Account name: DONATION.
- Call Us: +254 718 776 033
- Email: info@optivenfoundation.org
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