The practice of puxa-puxa among Mozambican women: A systematic inventory of motives (2014)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding IV FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Vera Cruz Germano,and Etienne Mullet
FGM/C Type(s): IV
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To examine the motives underlying this practice and its abandonment
Study Population: women currently living in the provinces of Maputo,Zambezia,and Nampula,aged 18 to 62
Findings: Seven separable motives for practicing puxa-puxa were found,and the most highly rated were “Having a satisfying sexual life”; “Satisfying my sexual partner”; and “Gaining self-control.” Five separable motives for not practicing puxa-puxa were found,and the most highly rated were “Disliking a painful practice”; “Affirming one’s value as a person”; and “Avoiding contamination.” The main findings of the study are that the practice of puxa-puxa is associated with deep psychological motives common to most women in most cultures,namely having a satisfying sexual life with a reliable partner,creating the conditions for having children,and being able to care for them. The abandonment of this practice is largely the result of personal decisions,which are not taken under constraint and which are not exclusively taken from fear of illness.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Mozambique