KVINNORS UPPLEVELSE AV OBSTETRISK SFINKTERSKADA (OASIS) - EN SYSTEMATISK LITTERATURÖVERSIKT

Abstract

Background: Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) is a serious complication of vaginal childbirth that can lead to long-term physical, psychological, social, and sexual consequences for affected women. The injuries may be associated with pain, incontinence, reduced quality of life, and anxiety about possible future pregnancies. Although there is substantial knowledge about prevalence, risk factors, prevention, and treatment, research on women’s own experiences of living with OASIS remains limited. Greater understanding of these experiences is therefore important in order to provide safe, person-centred, and professional care. Aim: The aim of the study is to explore women’s experiences of obstetric anal sphincter injury — a systematic literature review. Method: The study is a systematic literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted according to the method described by Bettany-Saltikov and McSherry, with the aim of compiling and analysing previous qualitative research on women’s experiences of OASIS. The databases used were CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus. Results: Two main categories were identified: Consequences of OASIS and Experiences of healthcare in relation to OASIS. The results demonstrate that OASIS may lead to long-term physical, psychological, social, and sexual consequences that affect women’s everyday lives and quality of life. Women’s experiences of healthcare vary, with insufficient information, inadequate professional support, and lack of follow-up care hindering recovery. In contrast, person-centred support and effective communication from healthcare professionals are perceived as crucial to the recovery process. Conclusion: The results show that the experience of OASIS affects women’s daily lives as well as how they perceive healthcare after their injury. More research on women’s experiences is needed to improve the quality of life for these women.