Prevalence of Vesicovaginal Fistula in Ebonyi and Plateau States, Nigeria: Rethinking Women Empowerment

Abstract

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), an abnormal communication between the bladder and the vagina leading to a constant leakage of urine, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity among women of reproductive age in less developed societies. Although the enormity of the dangers associated with the health condition in Nigeria is well documented, it is difficult to arrive at accurate statistics due to factors such as paucity of community-based research, underreporting due to unwillingness to disclose the disease and fear of stigmatization, among others. This study adopted the crosssectional survey design involving a mixed-methods approach in determining the prevalence of VVF in two purposively selected Nigerian states. A sample of 695 respondents: Ebonyi (324) and Plateau (371) states was drawn using Cochran’s (1977) sample size formula. While a multi-stage sampling technique was used to administer a semi-structured questionnaire to community members, hospital records (Ebonyi 136 and Plateau 381 states) were used to generate information on the prevalence of VVF. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. There were more cases of VVF in Plateau State (23.70 per 100000 women) than in Ebonyi State (12.22 per 100000 women). At community level, it was indicated that only 3 out of every 20 women knew those who had experienced VVF in their communities. There is a need for more community-based research and sensitization on VVF in order to increase awareness about the condition and practices towards its prevention in the larger society.