SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF VESICO VAGINAL FISTULA IN KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

VVF is more common in Sub-Saharan Africa and India, which may be as a result of poor medical facilities, illiteracy, cultural practices among others. In Nigeria, VVF is more prevalent in northern region. Therefore this study examined the spatio-temporal patterns of VVF in Kebbi State, by analyzing the Prevalence and clusters of VVF from 2008-2017, Examining the temporal trend of VVF (2008-2017) and Analyzing Socio-demographic and socio-cultural characteristics of VVF victims. The study made use of secondary data. Population data were obtained from National Population Commission, Administrative map from Diva GIS and VVF records were acquired from Gesse obstetric fistula centre in the state. Records of VVF victims were copied from the record book of the centre, containing information on their LGA, tribe, religion and educational status. Hotspot analysis was used to determine where VVF clusters were. A trend analysis was used to determine the trend of the disease from 2008 to 2017. Charts were used to analyse the sociodemographic and socio-cultural characteristics of VVF victims. The result shows the prevalence is highest in 2008 and declines significantly across the study period, where 2017 recorded the lowest prevalence. VVF was more prevalent among women between the age of 12-24 as compared to women of age 24-45. VVF was more prevalent among Hausa and Fulani ethics groups as well as Muslims. Women with primary education and no formal education were mostly affected. There is need for improvement in literacy level, more awareness, more medical facilities and personnel, more obstetric fistula centers and discourage dangerous practices that are directly responsible for VVF such as early marriage and Female Genital Mutilations.