The Pattern of Female Genital Mutilation in Port Harcourt,Southern Nigeria (2014)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Israel Jeremiah,Dango G.B. Kalio and Chris Akani
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: Prevalence.
Objective: To measure the change in the incidence of the female genital mutilation in Port Harcourt,South-South Nigeria
Study Population: Women clients visiting Department of ObstetricGynaecology of the University Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)
Findings: The prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) was 34%. Four hundred and eighty one (96.2%) were aware of female circumcision generally. Ninety five (55.8%) of those circumcised,had it done in infancy. Thirty seven percent of the practitioners of female circumcision were traditional birth attendants while 14.7% were trained health professionals. The commonest reason for female circumcision included reduction of sexual passion/promiscuity and conformity with tradition. Type 1 female genital mutilation was the commonest (58.2%). Among those clients aged 50 years and above,78.8% had FGM while 9.1% of those aged 10 – 19 years had FGM. This showed a downward trend. Study concluded that female circumcision was a harmful traditional practice which had remained a serious health problem. Its prevalence was still high.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Nigeria