AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE  ROLE OF MEDIA CAMPAIGNS IN RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT OBSTETRIC FISTULA IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

An obstetric fistula is a severe birth damage caused by prolonged or closed labour, culminating in a perforation between the vagina and bladder or rectum. The condition mostly impacts women residing in low-income nations, and Nigeria has one of the highest rates of occurrence worldwide. Approximately 150,000 women in Nigeria are affected with obstetric fistula, and an additional 20,000 new cases occur each year (Mason et al., 2020). This syndrome is often linked to insufficient availability of high-quality maternal healthcare, particularly in rural regions with limited healthcare infrastructure (Husain et al., 2019). Obstetric fistula problems may result in significant medical and psychological ramifications, such as persistent incontinence, recurring infections, and social shame. Obstructive fistula often leads to considerable social isolation among women due to cultural beliefs that link the illness with feelings of shame and personal inadequacy (Husain et al., 2019). The negative perception of this condition frequently discourages those who are impacted from seeking medical care or assistance, therefore worsening their existing difficulties and sustaining patterns of poverty and marginalisation (García-Moreno et al., 2021). Media initiatives have shown their efficacy in advancing health awareness and education across diverse settings. The recorded literature extensively supports the notion that media, including television, radio, and digital platforms, has significant effect on public perception and behaviour (Yadav et al., 2018). The dissemination of awareness about obstetric fistula, its causes, and potential treatment options might be significantly facilitated by media campaigns in Nigeria, where access to information may be restricted, especially in rural regions (Okeke et al., 2021). Numerous studies have shown the efficacy of media campaigns in increasing awareness about health concerns. A program in Kenya, for example, greatly enhanced understanding of maternal health and obstetric problems (Njeru et al., 2020). Furthermore, in India, media interventions implemented at the community level resulted in heightened awareness of reproductive health concerns among women (Kumar et al., 2022). The aforementioned results emphasise the capacity of media campaigns to influence health-seeking habits and diminish the negative perception associated with health problems such as obstetric fistula.

In Nigeria, the convergence of culture, health, and education greatly shapes the way obstetric fistula is seen and comprehended. Women's health-seeking behaviours are typically influenced by traditional beliefs and practices, leading many to choose traditional birth attendants over professional healthcare infrastructure (Sulaimon et al., 2020). In addition, the absence of thorough sexual and reproductive health education significantly adds to the prevalent lack of knowledge on obstetric fistula, including its prevention and treatment. Despite the concerted efforts of governmental and non-governmental organisations to tackle obstetric fistula via a range of remedies, information and understanding of this condition remain significantly inadequate. Research findings suggest that a significant number of women living in afflicted areas lack knowledge about their medical condition and the therapeutic options accessible to them (Adedokun et al., 2021). This information gap requires targeted media efforts that may efficiently reach and educate communities about obstetric fistula, eventually diminishing stigma and motivating women to seek prompt medical attention. Therefore, the researcher sought to investigate the role of media campaigns in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Obstetric fistula continues to be a substantial public health concern in Nigeria, affecting thousands of women annually and resulting in serious physical and psychological repercussions (Mason et al., 2020). Despite its avoidability, a significant number of women in Nigeria lack knowledge about the disease, its aetiology, and the many treatment alternatives. Insufficient knowledge of obstetric fistula exacerbates the negative perception associated with it, leading to widespread social seclusion and financial difficulties for people impacted (Husain et al., 2019). 

Although media efforts have become a crucial instrument in health promotion, their efficacy in increasing awareness of obstetric fistula in Nigeria has not been well investigated. Prior research suggests that focused media campaigns have the potential to greatly impact public awareness and opinions about health matters (Yadav et al., 2018). Nevertheless, the precise influence of these efforts on the awareness of obstetric fistulas is still uncertain, since there is little data to show how media interventions might improve knowledge and comprehension among Nigerian populations (Okeke et al., 2021). Moreover, in light of the emergence of digital media, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of various media platforms in enhancing knowledge and comprehension of obstetric fistula.  Hence, the study investigate the role of media campaigns in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the role of media campaigns in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows

To assess the level of awareness about obstetric fistula among women in Nigeria.

To evaluate the media channels used in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria

To analyze the role of media campaigns in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria

To proffer strategies aimed at improving media campaigns awareness towards obstetric fistula in Nigeria

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the level of awareness about obstetric fistula among women in Nigeria?

What are the media channels used in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria?

What is the role of media campaigns in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria?

What are the strategies aimed at improving media campaigns awareness towards obstetric fistula in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the study

Findings of the study will be significant to policymakers as it can inform the development of targeted health policies and programs aimed at addressing obstetric fistula in Nigeria. By revealling the most effective media channels and strategies, stakeholders can allocate resources more effectively and implement evidence-based interventions. In addition, the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge and also serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on the role of media campaigns in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria. Empirically, the study will assess the level of awareness about obstetric fistula among women in Nigeria, evaluate the media channels used in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria, analyze the role of media campaigns in raising awareness about obstetric fistula in Nigeria and proffer strategies aimed at improving media campaigns awareness towards obstetric fistula in Nigeria.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to Niger State, Nigeria.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study

1.8 Definition of terms

Obstetric Fistula: A severe medical condition resulting from prolonged or obstructed labor, characterized by an abnormal opening between the vagina and bladder or rectum, leading to continuous urinary or fecal incontinence (World Health Organization, 2020).

Awareness: The state of being informed or knowledgeable about a particular subject, in this case, obstetric fistula, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Media Campaign: A coordinated series of communications activities designed to inform and influence a target audience about a specific issue or topic, utilizing various media platforms such as television, radio, print, and digital media to disseminate messages.

Stigma: A social phenomenon where individuals or groups are devalued, discriminated against, or marginalized due to certain characteristics or conditions, such as obstetric fistula, resulting in social isolation and psychological distress.

Health-Seeking Behavior: The actions individuals take to seek health services or information, including visiting healthcare providers, participating in health programs, and utilizing available resources to address health-related issues.

Media Channels: The various platforms through which information is disseminated to the public, including traditional media (television, radio, newspapers) and digital media (social media, websites, blogs).

Community Engagement: The process of involving community members in decision-making and actions that affect their health and well-being, often enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of health interventions.

Cultural Factors: The beliefs, practices, values, and social norms that influence behavior and attitudes within a specific community or population, impacting perceptions and responses to health issues such as obstetric fistula.

---

---