Mothers’ perceptions of female genital mutilation (2014)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): E. L. Ahanonu,O. Victor
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To assess the perceptions of FGM among mothers at a primary healthcare centre in Lagos,Nigeria.
Study Population: Mothers
Findings: Findings showed that the mothers held ambivalent beliefs about the practice. Although over half of the respondents (56.8%) perceived the practice of FGM as not being beneficial,44.2% thought that uncircumcised girls will become promiscuous. Nearly a third (30.5%) believed that FGM promotes a woman’s faithfulness to her husband. About a quarter (26.3%) reported that women who have undergone FGM are not at any risk of gynaecological complications. There was a significant relationship between the educational background of the mothers and the perception that uncircumcised girls will be promiscuous. These perceptions about FGM show that government at all levels should continue with educational efforts aimed at eradicating this practice.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Nigeria