Idung, Alphonsus Udo (2019) Beliefs and Prevalence of Female Genital Circumcision among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-natal Clinic in a Mission Hospital in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. In: Current Trends in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 2. B P International, pp. 38-47. ISBN 978-93-89246-45-2
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Introduction: Every community the world over has specific lifestyle practices that reflect the values
and beliefs held by members of such communities for generations. Female genital cutting (FGC) or
circumcision is one of the age-long cultural practices in many African countries including Nigeria.
Female genital cutting is harmful to women’s physical and emotional health throughout their lives and
has no known health benefits. Common beliefs among adherents in surveys for practicing FGC
include social acceptance, religion, hygiene, preservation of virginity, marriageability and
enhancement of male sexual pleasures.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the beliefs of pregnant women attending the
ante-natal clinic of a mission hospital in Uyo, about female genital cutting.
Methods: This was a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between August and
October 2015. Using systematic sampling techniques, 364 newly registered pregnant women who
enlisted for care during the study period were recruited. Using strict aseptic technique, vaginal
examination was done for each respondent to determine the types of female genital cutting based on
World Health Organization (WHO) classification.
Results: The mean age of respondents in this study was 28.3±4.3 years. The prevalence of female
genital cutting among respondents in this study was 22.5%. FGC was more prevalent among
respondents who were older (p<0.001); Attained higher level of education (p<0.001); and among
those in the low income group (p<0.001). Removal of the labia minora (Type 2a) was the dominant
type of FGC among respondents accounting for 64.4%; This was followed by type 1a (removal of the
clitoral hood or prepuce) 18.3%; Type 1b (removal of the clitoris with the prepuce) was present in
15.9% respondents while type 3a (removal and apposition of the labia minora) was present in 1.2% of
the respondents.
Among the respondents, FGC was believed to reduce sexual desire of the victims (p = 0.009;
prevents promiscuity (p = .003); While others belief that it improves hygiene (p = 0.018).
Conclusion: Findings from this study have shown that the practice of FGC is complex. The
increasing prevalence among those who are older might mean that practice of FGC is reducing
among the younger generation. Education and empowerment of women are most needed now along
with enforcement of laws aimed at eradicating the practice. The commonly held beliefs for persistence
of the practice are tradition, prevention of sexual promiscuity as well as improvement in hygiene of the
victims. FGC is a clear violation of the fundamental rights of women. Efforts to eradicate it must be
stepped up through health education by the mass media and at ante-natal, post natal and family
planning clinics. Such education should include information that clearly stresses the harmful effects of
the practice. Misconception, taboos as well as false beliefs associated with FGC must be
unequivocally dispelled. Women must be adequately empowered through education and economically
as well to defend their rights whenever attempts are made to violate them.
Item Type: | Book Section |
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Subjects: | Eprints STM archive > Medical Science |
Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email admin@eprints.stmarchive |
Date Deposited: | 21 Nov 2023 05:39 |
Last Modified: | 21 Nov 2023 05:39 |
URI: | http://public.paper4promo.com/id/eprint/1498 |