The Challenges of Nursing Care Management of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Patients in Treatment Centres in Poor Resource Settings of Nigeria

Introduction: Vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF) are major health issues in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East and South-South regions. This paper examines in detail the challenges of administering the nursing care of VVF patients in these treatment centres. It examines issues with healthcare infrastructure, limited resources, staff training, and shortages in the workforce. Methodology: Fifty (50) people participated in the cross-sectional study, including 25 nurses who were specifically chosen from the Family Life Centre in Mbreibit Itam, Uyo, and 25 nurses from National Fistula Centre in Abakaliki. These were the locations which have VVF treatment clinics where patients with this condition received therapy. The socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects were presented using frequency tables and simple percentages. However patient’s perception of the challenges of nurses in the management of this VVF were also sought. The qualitative methodology was used to analyze the collected qualitative data. Results: Among other things, the findings showed that the efficacy of nursing care for VVF patients in low-resource environments in Nigeria is significantly hampered by a lack of manpower, infrastructure, drugs, and equipment. To improve the standard of treatment and patient outcomes in Nigeria, more government intervention, more financing for healthcare infrastructure, better resource allocation, and closer ties with non-governmental organizations and international organizations are therefore required. Discussion: In order to give nurses, the tools they need to effectively handle VVF cases, more money should be allocated to ongoing professional education, the creation of standardized treatment protocols, more financing for specialized training, and the creation of mentorship programme.