Female adolescents and the future of female genital mutilation/cutting: a report from an endemic area (2021)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Ezeoke GG,Adeniran AS,Adesina KT,Fawole AA,Ijaiya MA,Olarinoye AO.
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To evaluate the experience and preparedness of female adolescents to protect their future daughters from FGM/C.
Study Population: Adolescent(13 to 19yrs) secondary school girls in North Central Nigeria
Findings: There were 2000 participants aged 13-19 years (mean 15.56±1.75),prevalence of FGM/C was 35.0%,awareness was 86.1%,mutilation was performed between infancy and eight years of age (mean 3.85±3.24 years),644(32.2%) desire to mutilatetheir future daughters,722(36.1%) expressed support for FGM/C and 63.1% of victims of FM/C reported adverse post-mutilation experiences. Support for FGM/C was associated with low social class (P0.0010),opinion that FGM/C has benefit (P0.001) and desire to mutilate future daughters (P0.001) while awareness of efforts to eradicate FMG/C was 813(40.7%).Conclusion: FGM/C remains prevalent with potential support for its continuation among female adolescents despite reported adverse post-mutilation experiences. The multi-pronged approach to eradicate FGM/C should prioritize re-orientation for adolescent girls,rehabilitation of mutilated girls and girl child formal education.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Nigeria