Under a Shade Tree in Mali, Women with Fistula Recover Together

October 17, 2016Mariam caught my attention early on.She was quiet unless spoken to, her demeanor proud —almost stoic. She had a slow, shy smile that occasionally broke through when someone tried to make her laugh. She had attended our previous fistula repair campaign, accompanied by her mother, and had experienced a few episodes of severe agitation.This time Mariam was alone, because the rest of her family needed to work in the fields.The team of health workers here at the Koulikoro referral health center in Mali last month firmly believes Mariam has an undiagnosed mental health disorder, which is exacerbated by the additional stress that comes with obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury that can occur during obstructed or prolonged labor. She was already on their radar for needing extra support throughout the month she would be with them for her fistula repair surgery and recovery period.It ’s well documented that the social and psychological consequences of obstetric fistula can include social isolation, stigma, depression, and mental health dysfunction. However, the prevalence of mental health disorders among obstetric fistula patients in Mali is unknown.As part of the  Clinton Global Initiative, and to better assess the need for mental health services among the women who receive care through the Fistula Mali project,  IntraHealth International and the Duke Global Health Institute have introduced an adapted version of the PHQ-9 survey. The team is us...
Source: IntraHealth International - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Source Type: news