Psychosocial Obstacles to Employment Opportunities among Obstetric Fistula Patients in North-west Nigeria: A Proposed Conceptual Model
- December 4, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRSI, Nursing
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue XI, November 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705
Faruk U. Abubakar #, Muhammad Anka Nasiru*
#,* Department of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
Abstract— The main objective of this paper was to propose a conceptual model that when validated will serve as a guiding principle to evaluating the relationship between psychosocial obstacles and employment opportunities among obstetric fistula patients in five (5) selected states (Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Zamfara) in north-west, Nigeria. Based on the literature reviewed, this study utilized five main constructs (poor education, stigma, cultural factors, sexual harassment & employment opportunities) in the proposed conceptual model to assess the reasons why most obstetrics fistula patients are not getting paid jobs in both public and private sector of the economy in Nigeria.
Keywords: Psychosocial obstacles, employment opportunities, conceptual model, obstetric fistula, north0west Nigeria
I. INTRODUCTION
Obstetrics vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a childbirth injury-causing abnormal hole that links the urinary bladder and the vagina; triggering frequent leakage of urine among the affected women [21]. Additionally, VVF disease is characterized by immense physical, social and psychological features and consequences [15]. Recently, the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) stated that one of the significant ways to eradicate diseases in the vulnerable communities is to engage women in income-generating activities such as gainful employment [13]. Similarly, the lack of women’s income independence in many societies has contributed to the occurrence of most preventable diseases [20]. However, improved participation of women in opportunities that provide employment helps to raise women’s status and worth and specifically, lower their chances of contracting diseases, particularly pregnancy-related diseases such as postpartum hemorrhage, infertility, and hypertension ([20],[21]-[16].).
