Influence of Social Support and Caregivers’ Attitude on Depression among Vesico Vaginal Fistula Patients

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) among women is a world-wide health phenomenon, especially in the developing nations. It primarily occurs when young women experience prolonged and obstructed labour which, most of the times, are due to ignorance, poverty, illiteracy or poor nutrition among others. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of social support and caregiver’s attitude on depression among VVF patients. Method: The survey method was used. The instruments used for data collection were the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and two other scales developed by the researchers. These were the caregivers’ attitude scale and the social support scale. The researchers administered these measures to V.V.F patients at a rehabilitation centre in Akwa Ibom State and collected relevant data. A 2 x 2 ANOVA was used to analyse the data. Results: The first hypothesis on  social support was not supported F(1,96) = 1.34; P >.05. However, the results supported the second hypothesis on caregiver’s attitudes F(1,96) = 6.77; P<.05). When the interaction of the factors was tested, the result did not also support the joint contribution of social support and attitude of caregivers in reducing patients’ depression F(1,96) = 0.35; P >.05. Recommendation: The results of the study were discussed in line with other existing studies and it was specifically recommended that caregivers should project positive attitudes towards VVF patients in order to impact their wellbeing.

Key words: Depression, Vesico Vaginal Fistula, Social Support, Caregiving attitudes.