This study investigates factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding practice. Focus group discussions involving 60 nursing mothers from selected rural areas of Enugu State, Nigeria, was adopted. Thematic analysis was adopted in analyzing data collected. Findings show that nursing mothers in the study area are yet to fully accept the 6 months' practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Issues relating to culture, economic hardship, and support networks were revealed to exercise gross influence on practice of exclusive breastfeeding. The study concluded that professional support from social workers is very vital to achieving conformity to the practice. This can be done through awareness creation that would accommodate support networks, while adopting exclusive breastfeeding campaign models that have proven successful in other African nations.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is one of maternal health problems confronting public health workers in Nigeria today. Information on how women suffering from this condition cope is important in that it can inform the design and delivery of programmes and interventions to address the challenges that face victims of VVF. The objective of this study was to highlight how women living with VVF cope with the health problem in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten women awaiting repairs at the National Fistula Centre at Abakaliki in Nigeria. Six of the women have lived with the health problem for more than ten years. Findings show that nearly all the women attributed their health problem to supernatural causes. The women stated that they go through a lot of physical and emotional problems. Some of the ways they have devised of physically coping with the problem include bathing regularly and use of strips of old wrappers as pads. Many of them cope emotionally and financially by attending religious gatherings and having some form of income yielding business. The study recommends the need for repairs to go hand in hand with vocational training so that they will have some income yielding business after repairs.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a major public health issue in Nigeria. This study focused on VVF patients seeking treatment. Hospital records were used to sample 30 respondents. Three focus group discussions were conducted and analyzed in themes. Results reveal that most of the respondents did not know what brought about their condition, whereas some felt it was a curse from the gods. Respondents reported discrimination and stigmatization by relatives. Findings suggest the need to have trained social workers working in all fistula centers in the country. They will help in the counseling, rehabilitation, and reintegration of these women.

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BackgroundCoping with a relative with a learning disability could be a stressful experience for family members. The present study is aimed at exploring the coping strategies adopted by families in trying to make meaning of their situation.MethodA qualitative study design using focus group discussions (FGDs) was adopted. Ten FGD sessions were held with family members of persons with a learning disability.ResultsFindings revealed patterns of family coping to include problem-focused, emotion-focused, and spiritual/religious-focused. Also, coping responses to a learning disability varied based on the level of information available to families about the condition of their relative. In some cases, interspousal relationship was strained due to stress.ConclusionIt was recommended that families of persons with a learning disability need social support and professional help from social workers to facilitate the adoption of more positive-oriented coping strategies by family members.