A Conceptual Review of the Knowledge and Perceptions of Female Secondary Schools Students towards Obstetric Fistula in Nigeria

Abstract

Obstetric fistula is one of the major reproductive health challenges resulting in maternal morbidity and deaths among young women of secondary school age in most parts of Nigeria. Recent statistics from the Federal Ministry of Health indicated that about 12,000 new cases are reported each year and this poses serious threat to women reproductive capacity and fecundity. This study is a conceptual review of the knowledge of and perception factors of the obstetric conditions among female secondary school students in Nigeria. Data were obtained from secondary sources such as scholarly research findings on obstetric fistula by professionals in reproductive health published in on-line academic journals and featured on Google Scholar and Research Gates platforms. in addition to data published by the Federal Ministry of Health. The data provided an up-to-date state of knowledge among secondary school students and their perceptions towards obstetric fistula. Findings revealed that among secondary school students, the level of knowledge about the reproductive health condition was relatively low and their perceptions about the reproductive health condition were influenced by belief systems, health education, psychological factors, social stigmatisation, and socio-cultural norms among others. The study recommends the inclusion of obstetric fistula as an item in the curriculum of one of the health subjects taught in secondary schools to boost the level of knowledge and further moderate female students’ perceptions about the reproductive health condition, among others.