Perceived Stigmatization and Its Psychosocial Effects Among Women Living with Vesicovaginal Fistula at VVF Centre, Gesse, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a severe maternal health condition characterized by involuntary continuous leakage of urine through an abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina. Beyond its physical consequences, VVF may result in stigma, social isolation, emotional distress, low self-esteem, and disruption of family and community relationships. This study assessed perceived stigmatization and its psychosocial effects among women living with VVF at VVF Centre, Gesse, Kebbi State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. The target population comprised 64 women living with VVF and receiving care at the centre, from which 55 respondents were selected using Taro Yamane’s formula and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 27. The instrument had a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.90. Findings showed high perceived stigmatization (grand mean = 3.18), high psychological effects (grand mean = 3.16), and substantial social effects (grand mean = 3.22). The study concludes that women living with VVF experience important psychological and social consequences in addition to physical effects. VVF care should therefore incorporate psychosocial assessment, counselling, family education, peer support and social reintegration before and after surgical treatment.