Experiences and Consequences of Stigmatization on Women Living with Obstetric Fistula within the Greater Banjul Area of The Gambia

Background Motherhood should be a time of expectation and enjoyment. However, for women, particularly in developing countries, the reality of motherhood is often unattractive. These women experience lots of morbid situations during the normal life-enhancing process of reproduction. Obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening between the vagina and the bladder or rectum, referred to as Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF), Recto-Vaginal Fistula (RVF), respectively, resulting in nonstop and unremitting urinary or faecal incontinence. Obstetric fistulas are both a health and social concern. The resulting stigmatization affects the woman’s body image and psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to explore the experiences and consequences of stigma on women living with obstetric fistula within the Greater Banjul area of the Gambia. Methods A descriptive phenomenological method was used. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. A sample size of 12 participants was recruited. Participants were recruited in the EFSTH and Bafrow Medical Centre. Data was collected through in-depth interviews using an interview guide. Inductive analysis was employed, and results were presented in themes. Results The findings of this study reveal that women experience various types of stigmatizations: Internalized stigma (self-devaluation, low self-esteem, and lack of self-confidence), insecurity, anticipated stigma (fear of being humiliated by others), and enacted stigma (verbal abuse from people, disrupted sex, sexual dissatisfaction). The consequences of these stigmatizations on the survivors were adapting to new routines, self-isolation, fear of being divorced or physically abused by a partner, and psychological trauma. Conclusion The study showed that women with obstetric fistula experience different forms of stigma, which exposes them to several negative psychosocial consequences. Therefore, there is a need for timely management of these conditions to avoid stigmatization and the negative consequences on the victims. Additionally, education and sensitization of survivors and their family members in the communities will help reduce the stigma attached.