EPIDEMIOLOGY OF VESICO VAGINAL FISTULA IN MAIDUGURI

Abstract Background: Vesico vaginal fistula commonly affects the poor,less educated, teenage group and those experiencing their firstdeliveries.Objective: To determine the epidemiological variables rassociated with vesico vaginal fistula.Methodology: A total of 80 case records of VVF patientsmanaged over a 10 year period were retrospectively studied.Relevant information pertaining to age, parity, and cause of VVFand outcome of management were retrieved from the case notes.The data was analyzed using SPSS package.Results: VVF Constituted 1.4%, of the total Gynecologicaladmissions and 8.0% of the major Gynecological surgeriesperformed during the period. The prevalence was highest amongthe Hausa/Fulani and the Kanuris. Majority (76.2%) were over 20years, with a peak-age specific prevalence rate of 33.8% at the 20-24 years age group. Teenagers only accounted for 23.8%. Mostpatients sustained the VVF during their first childbirth (51.3%),by the second delivery 78.8% were involved. All the teenagershad only one delivery, while all the grandmultipara were 40 yearsand above. Ninety percent of them had no supervised antenatalcare and had their deliveries at home under traditional birthattendant (TBAs). In about 90% prolong obstructed labour wasthe leading cause and most patients belong to the social class IVand V. Seventy five percent had successful repair, while about50% were either divorced or neglected by their husbands.Conclusion: Vesico-vaginal fistula remains one preventablemedical/social calamity, now afflicting not just teenagers andprimipara, but predominantly older and parous women. Publichealth education with the provision of accessible efficientintrapartum care is the cornerstone to eradicating this problem. Author Affiliations:Corresponding Author:Keywords:*Department of Obstetrics andGynaecology Federal Medical CentreNguru ** Department of Obstetricsand Gynaecology University ofMaiduguri Teaching HospitalDR AA KULLIMADepartment of Obstetrics andGynaecology, Federal Medical CentreNguruEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. VVF, epidemiology,northeastern, Nigeria, maiduguri