Knowledge, Attitude and Maternal Health Care Utilization among Married Women of Reproductive Age towards Vesicovaginal Fistula in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This cross sectional study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and maternal health care utilization among married women of reproductive age in Birnin Kebbi Local government area, Kebbi State of Nigeria, and to characterize associations of socio-demographic characteristics, maternal health care utilization, knowledge, attitude with the occurrence of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). A community-based household survey was conducted among married women of reproductive age. The study included 380 married women aged between 15-49 years, chosen by simple random sampling from 30 selected settlements in the study area. All participants were interviewed face to face using a structured household questionnaire. 49.3% of respondents were 15-26 years old, 45.8% reported to have attended quranic school, and only 10.3% had finished primary school. 63.7% were first married at 12-15 years old, while 56.3% of the respondents had their first baby at 14-17 years. 36 (9.5%) respondents were found to be living with VVF. The study revealed that the relationship between knowledge and occurrence of VVF was found to be highly significant (p<0.001). In contrast, the attitude level was not found to have a significant relationship with the occurrence of VVF (p = 0.396). A highly significant relationship between utilization of maternal health services and occurrence of VVF was also found. The women had less knowledge about preventive measures than about risk factors, sign and symptoms. The maternal health status of the women was poor which is a common factor for the occurrence of VVF. Findings indicated that that there is inadequate awareness among women regarding maternal health issues. There is need to develop concrete strategies toward prevention and eradication of VVF.