Abstract:
and government owned media to create awareness on VVF, introducing a comprehensive programme for women with VVF experience and free repairs and their reintegration back into Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) – a direct pathological communication between the urinary bladder and the vagina which results in the uncontrolled leakage of urine into the vagina from the bladder – is a major maternal health issue in Nigeria. Awareness and level of management of the health condition in Ebonyi State, Nigeria were examined in a cross-sectional sample survey. A total of two thousand and twenty three (2,023) respondents (males and females) within the reproductive age of 12 years and above were randomly selected from four local government areas. A uniform set of structured interview schedule, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews and case studies provided data for the study. The results showed low level of awareness of VVF in Ebonyi State. The study equally revealed that people with higher educational qualifications were more aware of the causes of VVF (p =0.000). In terms of knowledge of VVF, the respondents had poor knowledge of the health condition. VVF is associated with poverty, illiteracy, use of Traditional Birth Attendants, female circumcision, early marriage and poor nutrition. Some of the problems faced by women with VVF experience include shame, isolation, mockery, stigmatization and discrimination. Their coping strategies include the use of “pieces” (pad), taking bath and applying perfumed cream. Suggestions on ways of creating more awareness, reducing the incidence of VVF and improving the welfare of Women with VVF experience were made.They include the use of both traditional the society. Finally government at all levels should take full responsibility of not only training skilled midwives but other relevant health care workers that can assist at birth, etc.
