The prevalence of obstetric fistula in Nigeria was found by 2008 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS)
to be 0.4%, suggesting there are approximately 150,000 women of reproductive age currently living with, or who
have previously had, obstetric fistula. Fistula prevalence is higher in Northern than in Southern Nigerian zones.
For instance, the prevalence of fistula in North Central Nigeria is 0.8%, followed by 0.5% in the North East and 0.3%
in North West Nigeria. This study aimed at understanding the knowledge and level of understanding of Health
workers in some selected hospitals and clinics in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. The study was both a
descriptive cross sectional and qualitative study of health personnel working in some health facilities in Zamfara
State to gain an insight of their understanding and practice about vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) which is a common
obstetric and maternal health complication among women in Nigeria during or after delivery. 68.3% of the
respondents were females while 31.7% were males. There is no specialist consultant or fistula surgeon among the
health personnel interviewed as only 11.7% of them were medical doctors while the remaining are nurses,
midwives or community health extension workers. On their knowledge of fistula, 97.6% of them have heard of
VVF, and 87% of them were of the opinion that early marriage causes complications during delivery or giving birth.
Also 88% of them were aware of VVF as one of the problems associated with early girl-child marriage while only
61% of them knew that obstructed or delayed labour causes VVF. It is important to train and equip the lower cadre
health and clinic personnel on VVF and how to prevent it as the management of VVF requires a specialized
knowledge and expertise.