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Aspects of social problems of vesico-vaginal fistula patients in Kano


Tukur A Jido
Habib M Sadauki

Abstract

Objective: To review some of the medical and social problems experienced by vesico-vaginal fistula patients.

Methods: A hundred and ninety-one consecutive vesico-vaginal fistula patients coming for repair at the Murtala Mohammed specialist hospital, Kano were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The data generated was analysed using basic descriptive statistics.

Results: The mean age of these 191 patients was 28.8 ± 8.4 years. They have had fistula for an average of 3.4 years. A hundred and twenty-eight (67.1%) were either divorced or separated from their spouses because of the fistula, majority are illiterates, engaged in menial jobs. They travel long distances before accessing repair services. Eightyfour, (34%) have had at least 1 previous failed repair.

Conclusion: Patients with vesico-vaginal fistula, experience great deal of social problems and are often times neglected even by their immediate family. Repair services are scarce and few are of good quality.

Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 22(2) 2005: 133-135

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