An Evaluation of a Vesico Vaginal Fistula Risk Assessment Workshop in Nigeria: Training the Trainers

Abstract

This paper evaluates a program designed to train Nigerian state government social workers and other human service practitioners to use a recently developed risk assessment instrument. The screening device is for the identification of pregnant women at risk of vesico vaginal fistula (VVF). VVF is a severe and socially stigmatizing gynecological condition found in many contemporary African societies. Social workers, nurses, and community health workers were given a one day workshop by the author that consisted of lectures on the sociomedical aspects of VVF. They were also trained to administer the Onolemhemhen Risk Assessment Instrument (ORAI). A pre‐test of the participants found that their level of information about VVF was moderate. However, the post‐test found a substantial increase in knowledge regarding this condition. An evaluation of the workshop by the participants indicated that the strengths of the workshop were the information disseminated through lectures and the instructional materials. Some participants exhibited a desire for a longer workshop of two–three days for more discussion and information about women's health issues.

Keywords:

• Vesico Vaginal Fistula
• Risk Assessment Workshop
• Nigeria