Effect of Healthcare Communication on Self Rated Health: A Case Study of Save a Woman Fistula Foundation

Abstract

Obstetric fistula remains a debilitating condition among women in low-resource settings, with significant health and psychosocial implications. While organizations like the Save a Woman Fistula Foundation (SAWFF) provide surgical repairs and support programs, limited research examines how healthcare communication influences self-rated health among affected women. This study investigated the effect of healthcare communication strategies—specifically interpersonal sensitive communication, patient-centered care communication, relational communication, and organizational policies—on self-rated health among SAWFF beneficiaries in Nairobi County, Kenya.Guided by the Human Relations Communication Theory, the study examined how communication quality influences patients' health perceptions. A correlational research design using quantitative methods was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to all 121 registered fistula patients via census sampling. The research instrument underwent pre-testing for reliability and validity, achieving Cronbach's Alpha values exceeding 0.7. Data analysis utilized SPSS Version 28 for descriptive statistics and inferential analysis including Pearson correlation and linear regression. Ethical protocols were strictly followed, including informed consent, participant confidentiality, and approvals from DU-ISERC and NACOSTI. The response rate was 70.2% (85 participants). Findings revealed significant positive relationships between all communication dimensions and self-rated health. Relational communication showed the strongest correlation (r = 0.593, R² = 0.351, β = 0.414, p < 0.01), followed by interpersonal sensitive communication (r = 0.587, R² = 0.345), organizational policies (r = 0.587, R² = 0.345), and patient-centered communication (r = 0.543, R² = 0.295). Mean scores ranged from 4.03 to 4.24, indicating high agreement levels across communication dimensions. The study concludes that structured, empathetic healthcare communication significantly enhances health outcomes and recovery experiences among fistula survivors. Key recommendations include implementing communication training programs for healthcare providers, strengthening patient engagement mechanisms, and developing communication-centered organizational policies. These findings contribute to public health efforts supporting Kenya's Universal Health Coverage agenda and Sustainable Development Goals by improving health equity, dignity, and access for marginalized populations.