The Perceived Influence of Decision-Making Authority on Health-Seeking Behavior among Patients with Obstetric Fistula: A Qualitative Study in Northern Nigeria

Obstetrics fistula is a shattering hole that affects women, occurring between the vagina and rectum or urinary bladder due to prolonged obstructed labor, characterized by incontinence of feces and urine. This qualitative descriptive research employed nine participants to explore the views of vesicovaginal and recto-vaginal patients in Sokoto and Zamfara on the perceived influences of decision-making authority on health-seeking behavior. In line with the objective of this study, following data analysis with Nvivo version11 qualitative software, a theme emerged, which is decision-making authority. This study recommended that the federal, states and local governments, non-governmental and civil society organizations should work in unison to provide adequate and accessible obstetric healthcare services to the fistula patients. Additionally, laws should be strengthened and enforced to entrench the principles of gender equality in decision-making authority, which, by extension, will influence health-seeking behavior among afflicted women. Moreover, to empower women so that they can become self-reliant and worthy of participation in the decision-making process, this study recommends the government and communities to support girl-child education.