Drawing Out Obstetric Fistula: art and medicine research

Research Summary: Drawing Out Obstetric Fistula

Research Focus: Art and narrative-based awareness intervention for obstetric fistula in Africa

Primary Methods: Visual art, verbal narrative, and creative expression as public health communication tools

Geographic Location: Tanzania, based at CCBRT (Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania) in Dar es Salaam

Researcher: Jac Saorsa

Project Objective: Raise awareness of the significant burden of obstetric fistula affecting African populations through interdisciplinary art-medicine collaboration

Evidence Grade: Preliminary—exploratory research examining novel awareness-raising methodologies for a neglected gynecological complication

Implementation Strategy: Combination of visual art documentation and narrative storytelling to communicate clinical and human dimensions of obstetric fistula

Further Information: Project details available at http://drawingof.wordpress.com/artists-blog/

I am now in Tanzania based at CCBRT in Dar es Salaam. We are exploring the potential of art and narrative, both verbal and visual, to raise awareness of the huge problem in Africa of obstetric fistula. My blogsite for more information is: http://drawingof.wordpress.com/artists-blog/

I hope that this work will be of interest and any comments, feedback on the project will be gratefully received.

Jac Saorsa