Female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone (2013)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Bjälkander,Owolabi
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: This thesis aims to provide knowledge on the effects and experiences of girls and women,and the views of adolescent boys,about FGM which is performed within the initiation ceremony of the Bondo Society in Sierra Leone
Study Population: women and girls,Adolescent boys
Findings: Most of the decisions (65.1%) for FGM were made by females,with males deciding in 30.7% cases. Although the operation of FGM is performed mainly by traditional excisors,medicalization was reported in 13.2% of cases. FGM-related health complications were reported by 84.5% of the 258 respondents,the most common ones being bleeding,delay in or incomplete healing,and tenderness. Fever was reported by 46%,suggesting a more severe infection,but significantly more often among pre-pubertal girls. A total of 85.8% of those with FGM-related health complications sought treatment. A total of 47.6% received treatment from a traditional healer; 40.1% from a traditional excisor; and 8.6% from a nurse. Three forms of FGM were identified: type Ib (31.7%),type IIb (64.1%); and type IIc (4.2%). Results from logistic regression analysis for the outcome variable FGM showed that increasing number of previous pregnancies,rural residency,religion (Islam),being married and illiterate are factors associated with higher prevalence of FGM.
There was a high level of agreement between reported and observed results for FGM status – 99%. However,respondents could not accurately describe the cutting extent,and we found that the DHS FGM module responses were not reliable for determining FGM type. Most adolescent boys (69.6%) considered Bondo a bad practice because of FGM,whilst some considered Bondo good because it is the culture and safeguards against stigmatization. A third of boys reported that girls face complications from FGM such as bleeding,fainting and death. The majority of boys (61.4%,n=43) would marry a non-Bondo member because they are viewed as more healthy and pleasant to have sex with
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Sierra Leone