Women's experience of obstetric anal sphincter injury following childbirth: An integrated review.

BACKGROUND

Perineal injury during childbirth is a very common event which affect women during childbirth. Significant morbidities are associated with third-and-fourth degree perineal tears in particular, also referred to as obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). With an increasing global birth rate and rising interventions in birth, the incidence of perineal trauma following vaginal birth is increasing on an international scale, impacted also by more accurate classification and definitions of OASIS and increased pre-existing co morbidities amongst affected women. The consequences of OASIS can be physically and psychologically distressing for affected women and have significant impact on quality of life.

METHODOLOGY

The aim of this integrative review was to examine women's experience of OASIS following childbirth using a systematic approach. This is presented in a five-stage process that includes problem identification, literature search, data extraction and evaluation, data analysis and presentation of results. A number of academic electronic databases were systematically searched and results are presented and analysed. Results of the complete search are presented in PRISMA format. Eight papers, which were assessed for quality using an appropriate appraisal tool, are included in the review and thematic analysis used to identify themes.

FINDINGS

The themes identified were; psychological consequences, the role of the health care professionals and implications for future pregnancies. Psychological consequences included anxiety, loneliness, isolation, shame, fear, many of which were associated with physical ramifications of OASIS and how these feelings affect activities of daily living. The importance of access to and support from health care professionals was highlighted. The impact the experience of OASIS had on women's decisions about future pregnancies was also evident.

CONCLUSION

The association between OASIS and maternal quality of life following childbirth can be substantial as evidenced by this literature review. The review identifies the need for improvement in the care and management of these women to alleviate the physical and psychological consequences of OASIS, including decisions in relation to future pregnancies and childbirth. Health care professionals caring for women in pregnancy and childbirth need to be educated and informed on the sequelae of OASIS, to ensure appropriate information and support is provided to these women and their families. Such knowledge may enable health care professionals to alleviate symptoms associated with OASIS and help women make sense and cope with their experiences.