Mothers' perceptions of female genital mutilation

Abstract

The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is widespread in Nigeria. This study was conducted to assess the perceptions of FGM among mothers at a primary healthcare centre in Lagos, Nigeria. A convenience sample of 95 mothers completed the pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test was used to test for association between variables. Findings showed that the mothers held ambivalent beliefs about the practice. Although over half of the respondents (56.8%) perceived the practice of FGM as not being beneficial, 44.2% thought that uncircumcised girls will become promiscuous. Nearly a third (30.5%) believed that FGM promotes a woman's faithfulness to her husband. About a quarter (26.3%) reported that women who have undergone FGM are not at any risk of gynaecological complications. There was a significant relationship between the educational background of the mothers and the perception that uncircumcised girls will be promiscuous. These perceptions about FGM show that government at all levels should continue with educational efforts aimed at eradicating this practice.

Attitude towards the Practice of Female Genital Cutting among School Boys and Girls in Somali and Harari Regions, Eastern Ethiopia

“…A study done in Nigeria showed the existence of ambivalent beliefs among mothers about the practice. Although over half of the respondents (56.8%) perceived FGC as not being beneficial, 44.2% of the participants support FGC [12]. Another study in Nigeria also stated that educated mothers were found to be less likely to favor the cutting of their daughters [13].…”

A Community-Based Intervention: Impact of an Educational Program in Exchanging Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

“…The other factor in the current study is the increased mean age (36.93 ± 8.42) of the respondents, which might be enough time to forget this bad experience, especially when no long-term complications were faced. Nonetheless, negative attitude towards FGM was significantly associated with previous circumcision, as reported by medical students, who participated in a previous Egyptian study [27].…”

“…Despite that, there is still a need for ongoing campaigns, offering direct contact with the mothers to correct misconceptions, answer questions and alleviate worries. In the same line, Ahanonu and Victor [27] found that, over half of the respondents viewed FGM as harmful; nonetheless, they thought that it prevents sexual promiscuity and contributes to faithfulness to the husband. Moreover, Abo and Gbadebo [28], that, Egyptian medical students had a modest knowledge about FGM and a neutral attitude towards it as well.…”

“…Similarly, more than half of male and female students, who participated in an Ethiopian study, knew that FGM has health risks, and the practice is mainly related to tradition, religious requirements and reduction of sexual desire [26]. Despite the WHO, which emphasized that males should be empowered through targeted reproductive health education and services related to FGM/C within the home, community and work settings [27]. Out of the blue, the respondents' husbands had no role in the decision of circumcising their daughters.…”

“…However, a substantial decline in the prevalence of FGM has been reported from countries with the already low prevalence of the practice [26]. Furthermore, a study among medical students in Egypt indicated that 58.7% of female students had a favorable attitude towards discontinuation of the practice [27]. Another report showed that ambivalent beliefs about the practice were found among Nigerian mothers, where although over half of the respondents (56.8%) perceived FGM as not being beneficial, yet 44.2% of the participants supported FGM [28].…”