Research

HOW DO VICTIMS ACCESS INFORMATION ON FREE VESICO-VAGINAL FISTULA REPAIR AND TREATMENT AMONG PATIENTS IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA?

Henry Amos Daniel and Bernice O. Sanusi
Published:
March 18, 2026
Submitted:
March 17, 2026

Abstract

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a medically manageable ailment. Despite the Nigerian government and other stakeholders implementing interventions to provide free VVF surgical repair, there is still limited access to the services. This study examined how victims access information on free VVF repair intervention. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing the Focus group discussion (FGD) method. The researcher purposively selected two centers in Northwest Nigeria, namely, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, and National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Babbar-Ruga, Katsina State. Two FGD sessions were conducted in each of the centers. A total of 22 participants were featured in the sessions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the FGD data. Findings showed that the radio was the dominant channel for accessing information on free VVF repair services, particularly in rural areas of Northwest Nigeria. Interpersonal sources, including healthcare personnel and family members, also played key roles in facilitating treatment seeking. Findings also showed that the understanding of VVF repair and treatment messages was high due to clear culture-sensitive delivery in messages in Hausa and Fulfulde. Participants also easily recalled radio jingles and face-to-face conversations, emphasizing that treatment was free. The study thus concluded that radio is a highly accessible and influential medium for disseminating VVF treatment messages, such as requiring family or spousal consent to go for treatment, which can hinder uptake. The study thus recommends combating misconceptions through healthcare experts and family members to promote positive treatment-seeking behaviors among VVF victims in Northwest Nigeria.

Keywords

VVF, Communication channels, Treatment-seeking behavior, Northwest Nigeria

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Henry Amos Daniel and Bernice O. Sanusi

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