Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a public health challenge and seems to be secretly practiced in some rural communities, despite the ban in Nigeria. The study aimed to identify the activities that are involved in FGM, type(s) of FGM practiced and the knowledge of health implications of FGM among rural community members in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. We employed exploratory design using qualitative technique. In-depth interviews were conducted with 44 adult (18 years and older) volunteers in four rural communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. After thematic analysis using NVivo 11 Pro software, eight sub-themes emerged, among which are: types of FGM practiced, seasons for FGM, FGM by health workers and community leaders, punishment for refusing FGM and knowledge of health implications of FGM. Findings show that FGM is more like a process than just an act, and type most practiced in the study area is Type 1. Circumcisers are health workers and women leaders. Knowledge of health implications of FGM was found to be low among those interviewed. Based on the findings, we concluded that FGM is still practiced in some rural communities in Nigeria, maybe because of poor knowledge of health implications of FGM.

Highlights

  • Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a public health challenge and seems to be secretly practiced in some rural communities, despite the ban in Nigeria

  • The study aimed to identify the activities that are involved in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), type(s) of FGM practiced and the knowledge of health implications of FGM among rural community members in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

  • Types of FGM commonly practiced The majority of participants in this study did not consider FGM in terms of the medical assessment (Type I, II, III, IV), but rather conceptualised circumcision as “ugu umu sukul”

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Summary

Introduction

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a public health challenge and seems to be secretly practiced in some rural communities, despite the ban in Nigeria. Objectives: The study aimed to identify the activities that are involved in FGM, type(s) of FGM practiced and the knowledge of health implications of FGM among rural community members in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Conclusion: Based on the findings, we concluded that FGM is still practiced in some rural communities in Nigeria, maybe because of poor knowledge of health implications of FGM. Towards characterization of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in rural Nigeria. Many communities and ethnic groups in Nigeria subject the girl-child or women to the unhealthy cultural practice of FGM either openly or secretly. The Nigerian 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey-NDHS 8 reported that 25 percent (a little lower than UNICEF report) of Nigerian women

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