The Pervading Public Health Implications of Female Genital Mutilation among Women (20-40 Years) in a Rural Community in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation is a term used to describe the various traditional practices that involve the partial or total cutting off or removal of the external female genitalia for cultural and traditional reasons in many African societies. This research addressed the concept of this practice among the child bearing women (20-40 years old) of Amuzi, Obowo clan in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.Methods: Using a simple random sampling technique, 10% of the 1000 women present in the community, the sample size were determined. Thus, the study population of 100 women had structured questionnaire given to them to elicit data; by focusing on the experiences of the women who knew about the practice, by looking at their flashbacks, the prevalence, procedure, reasons for, health complications involved after the mutilation.Results: The research results indicated that female genital mutilation has complications that interrupt and disrupt the health and well-being of girls and women. It affects particularly their reproductive life and living.Conclusion: Female genital mutilation is a violation of women's right to health and wellbeing. It is recommended that empowering people in the community with more knowledge on the subject, and providing the necessary resources needed; will help considerably in stopping the practice of female genital mutilation.