THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 23, No. 2, November 2025
Pages 127-141
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/5202.32.0280
Factors Influencing Care and Support for women with Vesicovaginal Fistula in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Ebonyi and Plateau States
Okwuchi Chioma Efam and Ezebunwa E. Nwokocha
Department of Sociology, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
The study explores socio-demographic and contextual factors influencing care and support for women with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in Nigeria, with particular reference to Ebonyi and Plateau states. Employing a mixed-methods approach within a comparative cross-sectional design, data were collected from hospital records (Ebonyi (136) and Plateau (381), In-depth Interviews (IDIs), and case-studies. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were content-analysed. Findings indicate that the likelihood and nature of support are significantly associated family support and the following variables: age (x2 = 65.133, p<0.05), religion (x2 = 32.383, p<0.05), educational attainment (x2 = 33.396, p<0.05), marital status (x2 = 134.021, p<0.05) and parity (x2 = 42.971, p<0.05) variables such as state of residence, age, religion, educational level, marital status and parity. Although the factors affecting care and support were similar in the two thematic states, little variations were reported. For instance, in Ebonyi State, support was ascribed mainly to husbands, whereas in Plateau, support was offered more by relatives rather than the spouse. Factors such as community perceptions, number of repairs for VVF patients, marital status further influenced support dynamics. The results underscore the importance of ecology and socio-cultural context in shaping support systems for VVF patients. There is a need for public sensitization on the causes and treatment of VVF and emphasises a holistic approach involving medical, social, and educational interventions to improve the quality of life of affected women.
Keywords: Vesicovaginal Fistula in Nigeria, public sensitization on VVF, Ecology of VVF support system