Table 1 Illustration of the process of data analysis

The fistula condition is irritable. You find yourself wet all the time. .. and isolating yourself from your fellows. Imagine they bring food; you share with them while every time you touch urines. Even if you wash your hands, still I don’t feel good. It is like you are causing discomfort to them. (IDI, 42 years)

Fear of staying with others

Afraid being stigmatized Self-isolation

Stigma against women with fistula condition

Separate yourself from others Discomfort

First of all I was maltreated and abused. They isolated me, stigmatized me, my husband disowned me, my mother-in-law refused me, and they said I was stinking. .. I suffered so much. On my way to hospital, someone said, “The one, who urinated in the bus yesterday, will be dropped on the way.” Another person said, "No, she didn’t urinate purposefully in the bus. (IDI, 18 years)

Maltreated and abused

Being isolated by the others Community isolation

Separated by others

Rejected by spouse

Bad words Threatening