Genital lesions complicating female genital cutting in infancy: a hospital-based study in south-east Nigeria (2007)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding I,II FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): S. O. Ekenze,H. U. Ezegwui,and C. O. Adiri
FGM/C Type(s): I,II
Health area of focus: Gynaecological.
Objective: To determine the genital lesions complicating childhood FGC and the underlying factors that sustain this practice among the Igbos in south-east Nigeria.
Study Population: Girls with genital complications of FGC and their mothers (between January 2003 and June 2005 at the Federal Medical Centre,Owerri,south-east Nigeria)
Findings: The average age at presentation was 3.5 years (range 1–5) and the genital cutting procedures were performed 8–90 days after birth. The procedure was undertaken by traditional practitioners in 14 (66.7%) girls and by nurses in 7 (33.3%) girls. Twelve girls (57.1%) had type I genital cutting and nine (42.9%) type II. Inclusion clitoral dermoid cyst and labial fusion were the complications in 13 (61.9%) and eight (38.1%),respectively. Treatment involved complete excision of the cysts and operative division of the labial fusion. Post-operative complications were wound infection (5) and labial adhesion (2). With duration of admission ranging from 3 to 5 days,the average cost of managing each child was $120. Of the girls’ mothers,15 (71.4%) had been educated to secondary level and 17 (80.1%) were aware of the campaign against FGC. Regrettably,all the mothers had genital cutting themselves during childhood and 13 (61.9%) stated that they would like to perpetuate the practice for socio-cultural reasons. Despite this,they all volunteered that FGC is enforced by the child’s paternal relations. The study concluded that childhood FGC contributed to appreciable morbidity among girls,a large proportion of who were not managed in a hospital setting. The cost of managing these complications could be enormous,especially in low resource settings. Girl child education to tertiary level and the involvement of traditional rulers and local decision makers in the campaign against FGC might help to eradicate the practice
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Nigeria