Prevalence and Associated Factors of Female Genital Mutilation among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria
Keywords:
Prevalence, Associated Factors, Female Genital, Mutilation, Antenatal Clinic, Tertiary Hospital, Nnewi, South-East NigeriaAbstract
Background: Female genital mutilation, also referred to as “female genital cutting,” has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”. It has remained largely uninvestigated in Nnewi. This study was carried out to determine the level of practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the influence of socio-economic factors on its practice among pregnancy women attending antenatal clinic in this area. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 400 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, south-east Nigeria. Vulvar examination was carried out to confirm the presence, type or absence of female genital mutilation using the WHO classification. Results: The prevalence of female genital mutilation is 167/400 (41.8%). Out of this, 24 (14.4%) had type I mutilation while 143 (85.6%) had type II mutilation. There were no type III and IV mutilation. The lowest trend in female genital mutilation was found in the age of 15-19 years. Female genital mutilation decreased with increasing level of education. Up to 120 (30%) of women were favourably disposed towards continuing the practice. Culture/tradition was the strongest reason for the practice. Conclusion: The prevalence of female genital mutilation is high in Nnewi and WHO type II variety is the most common. Culture/tradition was the strongest reason for the practice. The eradication of female genital mutilation must involve the identification of issues sustaining the practice in different localities and subsequent action supported both by logical persuasion following aggressive health education and by legislation.
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