Patient Perspectives Following Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury

Alexandra C Nutaitis; Cecile A Ferrando; Katie Propst

doi:10.1097/SPV.0000000000001506

Patient Perspectives Following Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury

Urogynecology (Phila). 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001506. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Alexandra C Nutaitis¹, Cecile A Ferrando², Katie Propst³

Affiliations

¹ From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH.
² Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
³ Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

PMID: 38621419
DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001506

Abstract

Importance: An obstetric anal sphincter injury can significantly affect patients. Support for these patients is both limited and not well understood.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe patient experiences after an obstetric anal sphincter injury.

Study design: This is a prospective cross-sectional qualitative study of patients who experienced an obstetric anal sphincter injury within a tertiary care network between May and June of 2022. Demographic data, clinical data regarding the delivery, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were collected. Prospective semistructured interviews were conducted approximately 5-12 weeks postpartum to address opportunities to improve obstetric anal sphincter injury care. Qualitative analysis was performed using a grounded theory approach.

Results: Fifteen women with a mean age of 31 (±3.93) years participated. The majority identified as White (93.3%) and non-Hispanic (100%). All participants identified as being married to men and completing undergraduate education; 9 (60%) also received postgraduate education. Five participants (33.3%) screened positive (score of 10 or greater) for postnatal depression on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Thematic saturation was reached with 3 major themes identified: (1) pain control, (2) desire for multifactorial support, and (3) obstetric anal sphincter injury knowledge and awareness.

Conclusions: Experiencing an obstetric anal sphincter injury represents a great unknown to most women. This study identifies opportunities for improved postpartum care through education, pain control, and patient support. Interventions are needed to improve the postpartum experience for women who experience an obstetric anal sphincter injury with childbirth.