Awareness of vesicovaginal fistula among health workers in some health facilities of Zamfara state, Northwest Nigeria

The prevalence of obstetric fistula in Nigeria was found by 2008 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) to be 0.4%, suggesting there are approximately 150,000 women of reproductive age currently living with, or who have previously had, obstetric fistula. Fistula prevalence is higher in Northern than in Southern Nigerian zones. For instance, the prevalence of fistula in North Central Nigeria is 0.8%, followed by 0.5% in the North East and 0.3% in North West Nigeria. This study aimed at understanding the knowledge and level of understanding of Health workers in some selected hospitals and clinics in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. The study was both a descriptive cross sectional and qualitative study of health personnel working in some health facilities in Zamfara State to gain an insight of their understanding and practice about vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) which is a common obstetric and maternal health complication among women in Nigeria during or after delivery. 68.3% of the respondents were females while 31.7% were males. There is no specialist consultant or fistula surgeon among the health personnel interviewed as only 11.7% of them were medical doctors while the remaining are nurses, midwives or community health extension workers. On their knowledge of fistula, 97.6% of them have heard of VVF, and 87% of them were of the opinion that early marriage causes complications during delivery or giving birth. Also 88% of them were aware of VVF as one of the problems associated with early girl-child marriage while only 61% of them knew that obstructed or delayed labour causes VVF. It is important to train and equip the lower cadre health and clinic personnel on VVF and how to prevent it as the management of VVF requires a specialized knowledge and expertise

Knowledge, attitude and perception of Islamic religious leaders on maternal health issues in Zamfara state, Northwest, Nigeria: a qualitative study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and perception of the Islamic religious leaders (IRLs) on maternal health issues in Zamfara States, Nigeria, as well as the roles they can play in reducing maternal deaths in the state with a view to improve the maternal. A qualitative study, in the forms of in-depth interview and focus group discussion was conducted in eliciting information from the IRLs regarding their knowledge, attitude and perception on maternal health issues and maternal deaths among women of reproductive age in Zamfara State. A total of sixty four (64) IRLs were purposively sampled for this reason. The results show that all of the IRLs interviewed have a positive perception on maternal health issues and programs implemented by partners and donor agencies in maternal health services in the state, especially those with some knowledge about the activities of these implementing agencies. Their knowledge and understanding of the maternal health issues was high especially on maternal health issues from the Islamic perspectives and viewpoint. IRLs served as health educators on maternal health through delivering sermons at Friday congregational prayers (jummaat), Islamic gatherings and schools. In conclusion, the IRLs can become an important medium for information, education and communication in improving maternal health services uptake. Programmers, implementing agencies and donor partners in maternal health services need to collaborate and work with the IRLs in achieving the set targets of maternal mortality reduction and improving uptake of maternal health services in Zamfara