Practice and perceptions of female genital mutilation among Nigerian Igbo women (2004)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Adinma B
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: Prevalence.
Objective:
Study Population: women attending antenatal clinics
Findings: Genital mutilation occurred in 296 (48.5%) of 610 pregnant Nigerian Igbo women attending antenatal clinics. The incidence was especially high in association with high maternal age,high parity and low social class. Female genital mutilation (FGM) class 1 occurred in 75 (25.3%) cases while FGM class 2 occurred in 221 (74.7%). There was no cases of FGM class 3 (infibulation). The majority,322 (52.8%) of the women were positively aware of their true genital mutilation status,but 288 (47.2%) showed negative response being either unaware of their true genital mutilation status or had become confused. Female genital mutilation was no longer practiced in the locality of 337 (55.3%) of the women,was occasionally practiced in that of 55 (9.0%) and was still fully practiced in that of 88 (14.4%) of the respondents. Most of the women,324 (53.1%) had no knowledge of any advantages of female genital mutilation. However,157 (25.7%) believed that it discourages infidelity while 56 (9.2%) believed that it facilitated delivery. Similarly,336 (55.1%) of the women were not aware of any risks of female genital mutilation,although 164 (26.9%) believed that it would cause difficult labour. Eighty (13.1%) of the respondents would advocate FGM for their daughters,out of which 34 (42.5%) cited cultural reasons. Four hundred and sixty-six women (76.4%) would not wish their daughters to be circumcised.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Nigeria