Prevalence and Motivations of Vaginal Practices in Tete Province,Mozambique (2012)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): François Isabelle,Brigitte Bagnol,Matthew Chersich,Francisco Mbofana,Esmeralda Mariano,Hipolito Nzwalo,Elise Kenter,Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye,Terry Hull,Adriane Martin Hilber
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: Prevalence.
Objective: To Determine the Prevalence and Motivations of Vaginal Practices in Tete Province,Mozambique
Study Population: Women
Findings: Almost half the women were married (44%),with a further 39% unmarried but in a stable relationship (Table 3). Among women married or in a stable relationship,28% were in a polygamous union and a further 7% knew that their partner had other sexual partners. Pulling of the vaginal labia minora and in-travaginal cleansing had been universally practiced ever by 99% and 92% of women,respectively. Insertion of substances into the vagina and washing had been adopted by almost three quarters of women (72% and 70%,respectively). Almost half mentioned ingestion of substances to affect the vagina (48%),while a fourth stated they had ever performed cutting or an incision. Application of substances onto the genitalia (16%) and steaming or smoking (15%)were less frequently practiced. Though prevalence of current and evercleaning was similar, around one third of women whoever elongated the labia were not currently using this practice. This differential use might have reflected a specific life-cycle pattern. Stretching the labia was mainly performed in childhood,beginning at mean age of 11 years. Cleansing and application was performed at a similar age to coital debut,between 15 and18 years old. Cutting and steaming occurred later in life,at around 22 to 23 years old. The use of surgical procedures was most commonly motivated by the desire to treat an infection or symptom (44%),followed by male sexual pleasure (22%) and maintaining partner commitment (24%). The anticipated physical effects were symptom relief (52%) and heating (11%),tightening (6%),or drying the vagina (5%). Not surprisingly, women most frequently undertook cutting at the time of physical discomfort (34%) and in preparation of sexual intercourse (31%). Pregnancy,childbirth,and postpartum were reported as life events associated with cutting by one third of these women(32%)
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Mozambique