The prevalence and practice of female genital mutilation in Nnewi,Nigeria: the impact of female education (2000)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): O. Igwegbe,and Ifeoma Egbuonu
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: Prevalence.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and practice of female genital mutilation in Nnewi,Nigeria: the impact of female education
Study Population: Mothers and their female babies delivered at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
Findings: There was no genital mutilation observed among the 200 female babies whose mothers completed the 9 months follow up,the prevalence of genital mutilation among the mothers was 48%. The prevalence of female genital mutilation among the mothers increased with age. The circumcision index C.I. was zero and 3.0 at 16-20 years and 31-35 years age groups,respectively. Also the prevalence decreased with increasing level of education. The circumcision index was 1.0 for mothers at primary level education and least 0.33 at tertiary level of education. There was no relationship with parity. None of the mothers was willing to allow genital mutilation to be performed on her baby but 36% applied local treatment to the clitoris especially powder (28%). Dystocia was the commonest complication in the mothers and the knowledge about female genital mutilation was acquired informally from fellow women. Study concluded that female education was paramount in the campaign and advocacy against female genital mutilation
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Nigeria