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This study aimed to investigate azole resistance mechanisms in Aspergillus flavus, which involve cyp51A and cyp51B genes. Real-time Reverse Transcriptase qPCR method was applied to determine the overexpression of cyp51A and cyp51B genes for 34 A. flavus isolates. PCR sequencing of these two genes was used to detect the presence of gene mutations. Susceptibility test found sensitivity to voriconazole (VOR) in all strains. 14.7% and 8.8% of isolates were resistant to itraconazole (IT) and posaconazole (POS), respectively, with a cross-resistance in 5.8%. For the double resistant isolates (IT/POS), the expression of cyp51A was up to 17-fold higher. PCR sequencing showed the presence of 2 mutations in cyp51A: a synonymous point mutation (P61P) in eight isolates, which did not affect the structure of CYP51A protein, and another non synonymous mutation (G206L) for only the TN-33 strain (cross IT/POS resistance) causing an amino acid change in the protein sequence. However, we noted in cyp51B the presence of the only non-synonymous mutation (L177G) causing a change in amino acids in the protein sequence for the TN-31 strain, which exhibits IT/POS cross-resistance. A short single intron of 67 bp was identified in the cyp51A gene, whereas three short introns of 54, 53, and 160 bp were identified in the cyp51B gene. According to the models provided by PatchDock software, the presence of non-synonymous mutations did not affect the interaction of CYP51A and CYP51B proteins with antifungals. In our study, the overexpression of the cyp51A and cyp51B genes is the primary mechanism responsible for resistance in A. flavus collection. Nevertheless, other resistance mechanisms can be involved.

Seventy-seven strains of Malassezia were included in this study. Biofilm and hydrolytic enzyme production were studied by using specific solid media. The Real-Time reverse transcriptase qPCR method was applied to determine the overexpression of genes encoding the extracellular enzymes. All included Malassezia species produced biofilms. No statistically significant difference was observed between Malassezia species in biofilm formation (p = 0.567). All Malassezia species produced lipase, and 95% of Malassezia globosa showed a strong enzymatic activity (Pz = 0.55 ± 0.02). A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean keratinase indices of Malassezia slooffiae and the other Malassezia species (p = 0.005). The overexpression of one or more genes was observed in 100% of strains isolated from patients with folliculitis, 87.5% – with pityriasis versicolor, and 57.14% of the control group isolates. A statistically significant difference in the lipase gene expression (p = 0.042) was between the strains from patients with folliculitis and the control group. This investigation provides more information about the frequency of the production of the major enzymes considered virulence factors of Malassezia species. Interestingly, the overexpression of one or more genes was observed in strains isolated from patients with Malassezia disorders.

Trichoblastic carcinoma is a sporadic malignant tumor. It usually arises in the scalp, trunk, and extremities. However, its occurrence in the base of the penis is highly uncommon. To our knowledge, there were no similar cases reported in the literature. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old Tunisian man with no significant medical history consulted our department with a 10 cm ulcerative lesion on the base of the penis. The lesion biopsy was concordant with the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. The patient underwent a wide local excision. The tissue defect was reconstructed by an anterolateral pedicled flap of the thigh. The final histopathology report was concordant with the diagnosis of a trichoblastic carcinoma. Conclusion. There is no treatment consensus due to the few reported cases of trichoblastic carcinoma in the literature. Surgical excision with free margins remains the cornerstone of the treatment.

In this work, the small-strain elastoplastic behavior of structures is analyzed using an improved nonlinear finite element formulation. In this framework, an eight-node quadrilateral finite element denoted PFR8 (Plane Fiber Rotation) that belongs to the set of elements with rotational degrees of freedom is developed. Its formulation stems from the plane adaptation of the Space Fiber Rotation (SFR) concept that considers virtual rotations of nodal fiber within the element. This approach results in an enhancement of the displacement vector approximation. Von-Mises yield criteria have been applied for yielding of the materials along with the associated flow rule. Newton-Raphson method has been used to solve the nonlinear equations. To assess the performance of the proposed element, benchmark problems are addressed and the results are compared with some analytical and numerical solutions from the literature.

Stereo digital image correlation (Stereo-DIC) is recurrent in photo-mechanics to measure kinematic fields which can be of high interest for instrumenting open-mould forming processes. Nevertheless, in the presence of pre-heating operations, as observed in the context of thermoforming processes, natural convective heat flows risk emerging and causing optical distortions in the recorded images. Consequently, this alters the precision of the measured full-fields of displacements. To address these challenges, this study proposes an experimental approach with two distinctive features. Firstly, it focuses on regenerating the heat haze effect at a laboratory scale within a partially opened vertical enclosure and without utilizing any filtering air flows. Secondly, the study quantifies the spatial and temporal variations of errors through statistical analyses of the differences between measurements obtained from quasi-static speckle translations and known imposed displacements. Experimental results indicate that the main cause of displacement errors is related to the 3D nature of the hot air turbulence caused by the natural convection phenomenon. This observation is supported by the detection of feather-shaped heat flows causing optical out-of-plane surface deviations. Furthermore, the study validates the possibility of obtaining time-dependent corrective functions for bias errors, which characterize the performance of the calibrated Stereo-DIC system in the presence of heat haze. Despite the limitation of extensive measurements required by the proposed approach, this study contributes to addressing the heat haze effect and constitutes a step towards extending the use of stereo-DIC for in-situ instrumentation of short-duration thermomechanical tests in the presence of heat haze.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We evaluated a pilot multi-component reintegration intervention to improve womens physical and psychosocial quality of life after genital fistula surgery. METHODS: Twelve women undergoing fistula repair at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital (Kampala, Uganda) anticipated in a 2-week multi-component intervention including health education, psychosocial therapy, physiotherapy, and economic investment. We assessed feasibility through recruitment, retention, and adherence, acceptability through intervention satisfaction, and preliminary effectiveness through reintegration, mental health, physical health, and economic status. We collected quantitative data at enrollment, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. We conducted in-depth interviews with six participants. Quantitative data are presented descriptively, and qualitative data analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Participants had a median age of 34.5 years (25.5-38.0), 50% were married/partnered, 42% were separated, 50$ had completed less than primary education, and 67% were unemployed. Mean number of sessions received was 12 for health education (range 5-15), 8 for counseling (range 8-9), and 6 for physiotherapy (range 4-8). Feasibility was demonstrated by study acceptance among all those eligible (100%); comfort with study measures, data collection frequency and approach; and procedural fidelity. Acceptability was high; all participants reported being very satisfied with the intervention and each of the components. Participant narratives echoed quantitative findings and contributed nuanced perspectives to understanding approach and content. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the intervention and associated research were both feasible and acceptable, and suggested certain modifications to the intervention protocol to reduce participant burden. Further research to determine the effectiveness of the intervention above and beyond surgery alone with regard to the health and well-being of women with fistulas is warranted.

OBJECTIVE:  Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is increasing and characterized by substantial racial and ethnic disparities. Analyzing trends and disparities across time by etiologic or organ system groups instead of an aggregated index may inform specific, actionable pathways to equitable care. We explored trends and racial and ethnic disparities in seven SMM categories at childbirth hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN:  We analyzed California birth cohort data on all live and stillbirths ≥ 20 weeks gestation from 1997 to 2017 (n = 10,580,096) using the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions SMM index. Cases were categorized into seven nonmutually exclusive indicator categories (cardiac, renal, respiratory, hemorrhage, sepsis, other obstetric, and other medical SMM). We compared prevalence and trends in SMM indicator categories overall and by racial and ethnic group using logistic and linear regression. RESULTS:  SMM occurred in 1.16% of births and nontransfusion SMM in 0.54%. Hemorrhage SMM occurred most frequently (27 per 10,000 births), followed by other obstetric (11), respiratory (7), and sepsis, cardiac, and renal SMM (5). Hemorrhage, renal, respiratory, and sepsis SMM increased over time for all racial and ethnic groups. The largest disparities were for Black individuals, including over 3-fold increased odds of other medical SMM. Renal and sepsis morbidity had the largest relative increases over time (717 and 544%). Sepsis and hemorrhage SMM had the largest absolute changes over time (17 per 10,000 increase). Disparities increased over time for respiratory SMM among Black, U.S.-born Hispanic, and non-U.S.-born Hispanic individuals and for sepsis SMM among Asian or Pacific Islander individuals. Disparities decreased over time for sepsis SMM among Black individuals yet remained substantial. CONCLUSION:  Our research further supports the critical need to address SMM and disparities as a significant public health priority in the United States and suggests that examining SMM subgroups may reveal helpful nuance for understanding trends, disparities, and potential needs for intervention. KEY POINTS: · By SMM subgroup, trends and racial and ethnic disparities varied yet Black individuals consistently had highest rates.. · Hemorrhage, renal, respiratory, and sepsis SMM significantly increased over time.. · Disparities increased for respiratory SMM among Black, U.S.-born Hispanic and non-U.S.-born Hispanic individuals and for sepsis SMM among Asian or Pacific Islander individuals..

BACKGROUND: Lower empowerment of women is a critical social issue with adverse public health implications. In India, deeply ingrained gender norms shape a patriarchal structure that creates systemic disadvantages for women relative to men. These gender norms-socially constructed expectations about the roles, behaviors, and attributes of men and women-perpetuate inequality and limit womens opportunities. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the association between community-level mens and womens gender norms on womens empowerment in India. Womens empowerment was defined using four measures: freedom of movement, decision-making power, economic empowerment, and health empowerment. METHODS: Using a nationally representative demographic health survey data from 2019-21 of 63,112 married women who participated in the womens empowerment module and 101,839 men surveyed, we constructed community-level mens and womens inequitable gender norms variables as our independent variable using attitudes towards wife-beating questions. We used random effects logistic regression models to examine if community-level mens and womens inequitable gender norms were independently associated with the different dimensions of womens empowerment. RESULTS: One standard deviation increase in community-level mens and womens inequitable gender norms was associated with reduced odds of freedom of movement, decision-making power, and health empowerment. No statistically significant association was observed between community-level mens and womens gender norms and economic empowerment. CONCLUSION: Inequitable gender norms are a risk factor that is negatively associated with several dimensions of womens empowerment. Our findings support our hypotheses that womens empowerment is impacted separately by mens and womens gender norms. Our study underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to challenge and transform inequitable gender norms, paving the way for achieving gender equality and womens empowerment, as envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals.

BACKGROUND: Women in South Asia often return to their natal home during pregnancy, for childbirth, and stay through the postpartum period-potentially impacting access to health care and health outcomes in this important period. However, this phenomenon is understudied (and not even named) in the demographic or health literature, nor do we know how it impacts health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to measure the magnitude, timing, duration, risk factors and impact on care of this phenomenon, which we name Temporary Childbirth Migration. METHODS: Using data from 9,033 pregnant and postpartum women collected in 2019 in two large states of India (Madhya Pradesh and Bihar) we achieve these aims using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models, combined with qualitative data from community health workers about this practice. RESULTS: We find that about one third of women return to their natal home at some point in pregnancy or postpartum, mostly clustered close to the time of delivery. Younger, primiparous, and non-Hindu women were more likely to return to their natal home. Women reported that they went to their natal home because they believed that they would receive better care; this was born out by our analysis in Bihar, but not Madhya Pradesh, for prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary childbirth migration is common, and, contrary to expectations, did not lead to disruptions in care, but rather led to more access to care. CONTRIBUTION: We describe a hitherto un-named, underexplored yet common phenomenon that has implications for health care use and potentially health outcomes.

Depression is associated with key HIV-related prevention and treatment behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to identify the association of depressive symptoms with HIV testing, linkage to care, and ART adherence among a representative sample of 18-49 year-olds in a high prevalence, rural area of South Africa. Utilizing logistic regression models (N = 1044), depressive symptoms were inversely associated with reported ever HIV testing (AOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99; p = 0.04) and ART adherence (AOR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73-0.91; p

Tracheobronchial endoluminal hamartochondroma (HC) is a rare benign tumor, most frequently diagnosed in individuals between the sixth and seventh decades of life. The clinical presentation is usually very noisy. Here, we report two interesting cases. The first patient is a 58-year-old man who was wrongly treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. HC was in the lower third of the trachea. The second patient is a 43-year-old man with a history of bronchiectasis and right lower lobectomy. HC was in the middle lobe bronchus. The resection via rigid bronchoscopy with diode laser was successful without any complications. Only one patient keeps a small stable tumor residue. The rigid bronchoscopy with laser-application in tracheobronchial endoluminal HC is safe and effective. Flexible bronchoscopy is important during the follow-up.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is frequent pathology in emergency departments. Coagulopathies leading to ICH are rare. We describe here the case of diagnosis of a chronic myeloid leukemia from ICH in emergencies.

BackgroundA female genital fistula, primarily caused by prolonged obstructed labor or after cesarean delivery in resource-limited countries, affects 500,000 to 2,000,000 women worldwide. Fistula is preventable with timely access to high-quality obstetrical care. Access to surgical repair of a female genital fistula has greatly increased over time. However, research surrounding postrepair reintegration, the process of returning to an individual's normal life, remains limited, and further efforts are needed to understand the factors shaping women's ability to rebuild their relationships and lives following repair.ObjectiveThis study aimed to characterize the 12-month reintegration trajectory after female genital fistula repair by participant sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.Study designThis study analyzed quantitative survey and medical record data of women (N=60) participating in a longitudinal cohort study assessing recovery after genital fistula repair in Uganda, with baseline and 4 quarterly follow-up assessments in 12 months. The primary outcome of reintegration was assessed using a 19-item postfistula repair reintegration instrument (range, 0-100) where a higher score represents better reintegration. Predictors of interest included parity and living children, quality of life, depressive symptoms at baseline, self-esteem, stigma, trauma, physical symptoms, and social support. We described participant baseline characteristics using means and proportions and estimated a series of mixed-effects linear regression models, including interactions of characteristics with time to understand how these characteristics influence reintegration trajectory in the 12 months after repair.ResultsThe participants' physical and psychosocial morbidities at baseline were high; more than 80% of participants reported fistula-related physical symptoms, 82% of participants described their general health as poor, and measures of self-esteem, overall social support, and overall quality of life were low. The mean reintegration score at baseline was 33 (standard deviation, 20), which increased to 78 (standard deviation, 19) at 12 months after fistula repair. The participant sociodemographic characteristics statistically associated with reintegration included any living children (β, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, -0.08 to 2.23). Moreover, psychosocial factors significantly affected reintegration with steeper trajectories for women with depressive symptoms (β, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-1.75) or women experiencing internalized stigma (β, 0.05; 95% confidence interval, -0.00 to 0.11) and less steep for those with higher self-esteem (β, -0.11; 95% confidence interval, -0.24 to 0.01), overall social support (β, -0.06; 95% confidence interval, -0.12 to -0.01), and partner support (β, -0.21; 95% confidence interval, -0.35 to -0.07).ConclusionUnderstanding the prominent factors associated with differences in reintegration trajectories across the year after genital fistula surgery has the potential to inform interventions that mitigate challenges and improve women's postrepair recovery experiences.

Molluscicidal activity of Solanum nigrum var. villosum (morelle velue) extracts and their fractions were tested against the mollusca gastropoda Galba truncatula intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica. The results indicated that the hydro-methanol (MeOH-H2O) immature fruit extract possess the highest molluscicidal activity (LC50 = 3.96 mg/L) against Galba truncatula compared with other tested compounds. After acido-basic treatment, the methanolic extract fraction isolated from the immature fruits and the richest in alkaloids was the most toxic (LC50 = 1.65 mg/L). The fractions richest in saponosides obtained from the hydromethanolic and methanolic extracts of immature fruits showed interesting molluscicidal activities (LC50 = 6.15 mg/L and LC50 = 7.91 mg/L, respectively). The observed molluscicide activity could be attributed to the presence of alkaloids or saponosides. So, the immature fruits of Solanum nigrum var. villosum could be substrates of choice for molluscicide activity. In addition, total alkaloids and saponosides present in this plant deserve further investigations in order to identify the active principles and demonstrate their activities on mollusks in their natural habitat. According to the World Health Organization’s guidelines on screening for plant molluscicides, use of these fractions may add to the arsenal of methods to control snail transmitting fasciolosis in tropical and Third World countries where fasciolosis is a common disease.

The aim of our study was to detect free-living Amoebae (FLA) by morphological methods and to identify Acanthamoeba spp. by PCR in the dental unit water lines (DUWL). Materials and methods: it was a prospective study dealing with 196 water samples collected from DUWL (94 samples taken in the early morning before materials flush and patient consultations and 102 samples taken after consultations). At the same time, 39 samples from tap water were realized. Results: 135 (69 %) samples were positives by the morphological study with morphotypical diversity. The predominant morphotype was the monopodial (39.2 %). 18 strains of Acanthamoeba spp. were detected in DUW (13.3 %) and three strains in tap water (10 %). The amplification of 18S rDNA gene of these strains of Acanthamoeba spp. was positive for all samples. Conclusion: the FLA and Acanthamoeba were isolated both in tap water and in dental unit. The amoeba pathogenicity has not been demonstrated after oral or dental contamination; but the presence of intracellular and pathogenic bacteria in the amoeba could be a source of microbiological risks for patients in case of deep dental care or immunodepression. The improvement of this dental unit was necessary by putting a filter of 0.2 microns porosity before the arrival of the water in hand-pieces allowing the limitation of FLA passage.

The free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous and opportunistic protozoa. They can induce human and animal diseases. The aim of our study was to detect the FLA and Acanthamoeba genus in the hydraulic system of an hemodialysis unit. It was a prospective study of 46 water samples. The first collect (23) was before cleaning and after the haemodialysis sessions and the second (23) after cleaning and before the hemodialysis sessions. Results: the morphological study enabled us to detect morphotypic diversity. The predominant morphotypes were the acanthopodial forms (29%). At the entrance of hemodialysis unit there were acanthopodial (44%) and monotactic (25%) forms; at the outlet, acanthopodial and fan-shaped forms (25% each). In addition, Acanthamoeba genus was present in 39% (1st collect) and 18% (2nd collect). The amplification of the FLA 18S rDNA gene was negative in only one sample localized in the last stage of water treatment unit (WTU). The amplification of the 18S rDNA (ASA.A1) Acanthamoeba gene was positive in15 samples. Conclusions: we noted that, in the hemodialysis unit, the purification techniques used in the WTU were effective, but there is a problem of water stagnation in the drain, which constitutes an appropriate condition for the biofilms formation. It is then necessary to use a filter with a low porosity (0.2 μm) at the entrance of the hemodialysis unit and if possible to change the drain

A longitudinal study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in a dairy farm in Sfax, Tunisia. 480 faecal samples were obtained from 30 calves under one month of age. All faecal samples were analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopic examination of smears stained by modified Ziehl Neelsen technique. The parasite was detected in 26 calves (86.7 %). Infection was significantly associated with diarrhoea. A molecular characterization, performed in seven calves, confirmed that isolates were C. parvum. This work is the first report on Cryptosporidium in calves in Tunisia.

1,001 faecal samples were obtained from 89 sheep (lambs and adult), 184 goats, 190 horses, 178 rabbits, 110 camels, 200 broiler chicken and 50 turkeys housed in farms from different localities in Tunisia. All samples were analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopic examination of smears stained by modified Ziehl Neelsen technique. The parasite was detected in ten lambs and adult sheep (11.2 %) and nine broiler chicken (4.5 %). Molecular characterization, performed in four animals, identified C. bovis in three lambs and C. meleagridis in one broiler chicken. This work is the first report on Cryptosporidium in farm animals in Tunisia.

Epidemiological investigations on Fasciola hepatica fasciolasis were carried out from July 2004 to June 2005 in the Gafsa oases (Tunisia) after the detection of a human case. Three habitats were studied: one in El Gsar and two in Ain Soltan. The prevalence of human infection was 6.6 %. The presence of the parasite was detected through serology in 14.3 % of cattle, 35 % of sheep and 68.4 % of goats. The plants Apium nodiflorum, Oxalis cernua and Sonchus maritimus were suspected to be at the origin of animal contamination and Apium nodiflorum was incriminated in human infection. The prevalence of the infection of the intermediate host Galba truncatula (G. truncatula) was 19.2 % from July 2004 to June 2005. Gafsa oases constitute a new location for the development of fasciolasis in the southern west of Tunisia.

Pulmonary hamartomas are the most common benign tumors of the lung in adults. They are usually asymptomatic because of their small size and their slow-growing character. We report the case of a 5-year-old child presenting with a giant lung mass causing recurrent right pneumonia. Surgical resection with middle lobectomy was performed. Final histology revealed pulmonary hamartoma with predominant adenofibromatous and lipomatous differentiation.

The phenomenon of acoustic wave reflection off fluid-solid surfaces is the focus of this research. This research aims to measure the effect of material physical qualities on oblique incidence acoustic attenuation across a large frequency range. To construct the extensive comparison shown in the supporting documentation, reflection coefficient curves were generated by carefully adjusting the porousness and permeability of the poroelastic solid. The next stage in determining its acoustic response is to determine the pseudo-Brewster angle shift and the reflection coefficient minimum dip for the previously indicated attenuation permutations. This circumstance is made possible by modeling and studying the reflection and absorption of acoustic plane waves encountering half-space and two-layer surfaces. For this purpose, both viscous and thermal losses are taken into account. According to the research findings, the propagation medium has a significant impact on the form of the curve that represents the reflection coefficient, whereas the effects of permeability, porosity, and driving frequency are relatively less significant to the pseudo-Brewster angle and curve minima, respectively. This research additionally found that as permeability and porosity increase, the pseudo-Brewster angle shifts to the left (proportionally to porosity increase) until it reaches a limiting value of 73.4 degrees, and that the reflection coefficient curves for each level of porosity exhibit a greater angular dependence, with an overall decrease in magnitude at all incident angles. These findings are given within the framework of the investigation (in proportion to the increase in porosity). The study concluded that when permeability declined, the angular dependence of frequency-dependent attenuation reduced, resulting in iso-porous curves. The study also discovered that the matrix porosity largely affected the angular dependency of the viscous losses in the range of 1.4 × 10-14 m2 permeability.

BackgroundSurgical repair has a transformative impact on the lives of women affected by female genital fistula; however, various physical, social, and economic challenges may persist postrepair and prevent complete reengagement in relationships and communities. Nuanced investigation of these experiences is needed to inform programming that aligns with women's reintegration needs.AimWe investigated the sexual activity resumption, experiences, and concerns of women in Uganda during the year following genital fistula repair surgery.MethodsWomen were recruited from Mulago Hospital between December 2014 and June 2015. We collected data at baseline and 4 times postsurgery about sociodemographic characteristics and physical/psychosocial status; we also assessed sexual interest and satisfaction twice. We performed in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. We analyzed quantitative findings via univariate analyses, and qualitative findings were coded and analyzed thematically.OutcomesWe assessed sexual readiness, fears, and challenges following surgical repair of female genital fistula using quantitative and qualitative measures of sexual activity, pain with sex, sexual interest/disinterest, and sexual satisfaction/dissatisfaction.ResultsAmong the 60 participants, 18% were sexually active at baseline, which decreased to 7% postsurgery and increased to 55% at 1 year after repair. Dyspareunia was reported by 27% at baseline and 10% at 1 year; few described leakage during sex or vaginal dryness. Qualitative findings showed wide variance of sexual experiences. Some reported sexual readiness quickly after surgery, and some were not ready after 1 year. For all, fears included fistula recurrence and unwanted pregnancy.ConclusionThese findings suggest that postrepair sexual experiences vary widely and intersect meaningfully with marital and social roles following fistula and repair. In addition to physical repair, ongoing psychosocial support is needed for comprehensive reintegration and the restoration of desired sexuality.Highlights

Resulting from prolonged obstructed labour, iatrogenic and traumatic aetiologies, female genital fistula in low-resource settings causes a significant physical and psychosocial burden. Social support is an important mechanism to build resilience to health challenges. This study aimed to understand the role of emotional, informational and tangible social support for Ugandan women affected by fistula. Thirty-three participants who had had fistula surgery 6-24 months prior to the study were recruited from Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Data from in-depth interviews (n = 16) and 4 focus group discussions were analysed thematically using a social support framework. Various individuals were key providers of social support across the different domains. They included family, friends, community organisations, and other women affected by fistula. Social support was critical in helping women cope with fistula, access fistula care, and post-repair recovery. Women relied heavily on tangible and emotional support to meet their physical and psychological needs. Support-enhancing interventions for women and their families, particularly those offering emotional and tangible support, may be a promising strategy for improving the experiences and quality of life of women affected by fistula.