Development and Pilot Test of a Multi-Component Intervention to Support Women's Recovery from Female Genital Fistula

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Surgical Outcomes
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Genital fistula surgery requires comprehensive support for successful patient reintegration.
• Post-surgical physical and psychosocial well-being are critical for women affected by genital fistulas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a pilot multi-component reintegration intervention for women post-genital fistula surgery.
• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on physical and psychosocial quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A 2-week intervention included health education, psychosocial therapy, physiotherapy, and economic support for 12 women in Uganda.
• Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness were assessed using quantitative (enrollment, 6 weeks, 3, 6 months) and qualitative (interviews) data.

Main Results:

• The intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, with 100% study acceptance and high participant satisfaction.
• Participants received a mean of 12 health education, 8 counseling, and 6 physiotherapy sessions.
• Qualitative data provided nuanced insights complementing quantitative findings on intervention experience.

Conclusions:

• The pilot intervention and research procedures were feasible and acceptable for women undergoing fistula repair.
• Modifications to reduce participant burden were suggested.
• Further research is warranted to establish the intervention's effectiveness beyond surgical treatment for improving women's health and well-being.