Bridging the Gap Health Seeking Challenges for Women with Obstetric Fistula in Nigeria

Introduction:

Obstetric fistula remains a hidden yet devastating public health issue in Nigeria, particularly affecting women in South South and South East regions. Despite its preventability, thousands of women suffer from this condition due to systemic barriers in healthcare access. This study investigates how availability and quality of healthcare services influence the health-seeking behavior of affected women in Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi states.
Visit https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com for more groundbreaking research in this field.

Key Findings from the Study

• Geographic Barriers:
  • Most women travel 2–8 hours to reach a treatment center.
  • Poor road conditions and limited transportation discourage timely healthcare access.
• Limited Treatment Centers:
  • Southern Nigeria hosts only a handful of VVF treatment facilities.
  • Referral delays and lack of specialists affect patient outcomes.
• Healthcare Quality Matters:
  • Women reported positive experiences at Abakaliki and Uyo centers due to friendly staff, cleanliness, and availability of specialists.
  • Subsidized or free treatment enhanced service uptake.
• Socio-Demographic Insights:
  • Majority of affected women were married, Christian farmers with low educational attainment.
  • Cultural stigma around VVF continues to hinder open dialogue and timely care.

External Perspective on Women’s Health Access

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that obstetric fistula is a clear sign of health system failure. Access to skilled obstetric care and emergency interventions like C-sections can prevent the condition altogether, aligning with the article’s conclusion that proximity and quality of care are key determinants of health-seeking behavior.

Further Reading and Resources

• Read the full study at: https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.cjog.1001088
• Explore more VVF and maternal health studies at our Obstetric Research Category.
• A detailed analysis of fistula-related maternal outcomes is available in the main journal article.
• For more insights on maternal care, visit https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com.

Call-to-Action

Explore more studies at https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below!

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