The loss of dignity: social experience and coping of women with obstetric fistula, in Northwest Ethiopia.

The study participants reported that they experienced deep sense of loss, diminished self-worth and multiple social challenges. They coped with the incontinence in various ways among which some were non effective and might have continuing negative impact on woman's quality of life even after corrective surgery. Developing bridging intervention for early identification and referral could reduce period of women's suffering.