Enhancing obstetric fistula information visibility and absorption among Peri-urban and rural women in Uganda.

Abstract

This research aims to improve how information on Obstetric Fistula is developed and packaged through design to increase its visibility and absorption by rural and peri-urban women in Uganda. Obstetric fistula is a devastating health condition that affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains largely invisible and misunderstood. By examining the current state of fistula awareness, identifying design strategies, and evaluating their effectiveness, this study seeks to provide insights and recommendations for designing impactful campaigns that promote understanding, empathy, and action towards addressing Obstetric Fistula. Although the Ministry of Health (MOH) has carried out extensive countrywide awareness campaigns on Obstetric Fistula, there is still a lack of visibility and low absorption of the information passed on to the key users. This study sought to develop, redevelop, and package the information disseminated to rural and peri-urban women to increase its visibility and absorption so that they use it more effectively. This required examining the current communication materials by the Ministry of Health on fistula information, its uptake, and the perception of fistula among the rural and peri-urban women. As a remedy, it was imperative to explore how the human centered public awareness campaigns can be applied to create effective communication on obstetric fistula among rural and peri-urban communities. The study applied an ethnographic study design to capture insights of the obstetric fistula in Uganda so as to understand subjective experiences, beliefs and concepts and in-depth knowledge on fistula and explore misconceptions around the problem. The study recruited referrals of women aged 18-49 years with obstetric fistula seeking health services at the fistula Repair Centre at Kitovu Hospital and Mulago Specialized Women‘s Hospital, who were predominately from rural and peri-urban areas. Also included in the study were senior medical staff at these facilities including fistula ward nursing staff, one gynecologist, one medical officer, one fistula surgeon and caretakers of fistula patients. Human Centered Design created the backbone for studio practice in order to generate visuals that were used to widen the spread of maternal health information with a bias towards obstetric fistula in Uganda. The study found that several patients only got to know of the condition after getting the Obstetric Fistula injury. Findings also point towards making maternal health education essential not only to women but also to men, since men are key decision makers in the family. The study thus recommends that the Ministry of Health should consider using more effective design strategies that are user-centered. Improving visibility of Obstetric Fistula information flow and uptake will help communities make prompt informed decisions about the place of delivery when a woman is in labour. This will also help dispel misconceptions about fistula, increase disclosure about the condition, and increase community acceptance and support for women with fistula. Consequently, women‘s quality of life will improve.