Sexual and reproductive health of afrocolombian women victims of the armed conflict in Bojayá, Chocó, Colombia, 2019. Mixed methods study

Abstract

Objectives: To explore sexual and reproductive health survived the Bojaya massacre, taking into consideration the physical and psychological aspects involved in the full expression of sexuality and reproduction, based on the analysis of clinical assessment records collected in 2018. Material and methods: Mixed study. Descriptive quantitative case series and qualitative narrative study. The quantitative component included 44 women who were direct survivors of an explosive device and the qualitative component that included 10 of them with sexual dysfunction. Convenient sampling was used. Healthcare records were the sources of information. Sociodemographic variables, obstetrical and gynecological history, sexual dysfunction and mental health symptoms, signs and diagnoses based on the ICD X were measured. Descriptive epidemiological analysis and qualitative narrative analysis, identifying emerging themes pertaining to the problems experienced and prioritized, as well as significant related events. Results: Mean age was 45 years; 54% had gynecological symptoms; 32% had difficulty accessing contraception; 23% had sexual dysfunctions; 13.63% had a history of sexual violence and 34% of domestic violence; 61.63% had post-traumatic stress disorder. The qualitative component showed evidence of frequent intimate partner violence, family issues and distress due to untreated symptoms. Conclusions: Routine assessment in women survivors of armed conflicts must include aspects such as potential sexual dysfunction, post-traumatic disorders and a history of polyvictimization. Further descriptive and analytical studies are needed in order to explore these aspects and their interrelations.