Conceptual knowledge of vesico-vagina fistula among parents, teachers and counsellors of senior secondary students in Warri South local government area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: VVF is leakages of urine and faeces through the vagina. It is rampant in the North and the Eastern parts of Nigeria due to the forced marriage of girls at about the age of eleven. This may be attributed to their small pelvises which have resulted in harmful reproductive health practice. The disability and suffering from obstetric fistula remains a neglected issue in global health. Aim: This study seeks to explore the conceptual knowledge of vesico-vagina fistula (VVF) among parents, teachers and counselors of senior secondary school students in Warri South local government area of Delta state. Methods: A survey design was used. Random sampling method was used to select a total number of six hundred respondents including parents, teachers and counselors that participated in the study, but only five hundred and eleven questionnaires were retrieved. The questionnaire was divided into two sections containing information on demography and selected variables for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of Anova and t-tests. Result: the study revealed that there is no significant difference in the conceptual knowledge of VVF among parents, teachers and counselors of senior secondary school students either by educational status or location. Conclusion: It can be concluded that parents, teachers and counselors of senior secondary school have very little knowledge about VVF. There is need for educational programmes on VVF to enlighten them about VVF and the danger it poses.

Key words: Conceptual knowledge, reproductive health, vesico-vagina fistula (VVF), parents, teachers, counselor