Reflections on Identity: Narratives of Obstetric Fistula Survivors in North Central Nigeria

Degge, Hannah M.; Laurenson, Mary; Dumbili, Emeka W.; Hayter, Mark

Abstract

Obstetric fistula is a condition that affects women and can lead to identity changes because of uncontrolled urinary and/or fecal incontinence symptom experiences. These symptoms along with different emerging identities lead to family and community displacement. Using narrative inquiry methodology that concentrates on the stories individuals tell about themselves; interviews were conducted for 15 fistula survivors to explore their perception of identities of living with obstetric fistula. Within a sociocultural context, these identities consist of the “leaking” identity, “masu yoyon fitsari” (leakers of urine) identity, and the “spoiled” identity, causing stigmatization and psychological trauma. The “masu yoyon fitsari” identity, however, built hope and resilience for a sustained search for a cure. Identity is a socially constructed phenomenon, and the findings reveal positive community involvement which reduces obstetric fistula stigmatization and improves women’s identity. Sexual and reproductive health issues remain of grave concern within a contextualized societal identity of women’s role.

Citation

Degge, H. M., Laurenson, M., Dumbili, E. W., & Hayter, M. (2020). Reflections on Identity: Narratives of Obstetric Fistula Survivors in North Central Nigeria. Qualitative Health Research, 30(3), 366-379. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732319877855

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 25, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Oct 3, 2019
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 4, 2019
• Journal: Qualitative Health Research
• Print ISSN: 1049-7323
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 366-379
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732319877855
• Keywords: Public Health; Environmental and Occupational Health; obstetric fistula; Nigeria; social identity; stigmatization; psychological trauma; resilience;narrative inquiry method; qualitative; Sub-Saharan Africa
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/2844854
• Contract Date: Oct 4, 2019