Female adolescents and the future of female genital mutilation/cutting: A report from an endemic area.
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Date
2021
Authors
Ezeoke, G.G., Adeniran, A.S., Adesina, K.T., Fawole, A.A., Ijaiya, M.A. & Olarinoye, A.O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Makerere University, Uganda.
Abstract
Background: Despite collaborative efforts aimed at its eradication, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) continues
in endemic areas.
Objective: To evaluate the experience and preparedness of female adolescents to protect their future daughters from FGM/C.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving adolescent secondary school girls in North Central Nigeria. Participants were
secondary school students who completed the study’s self-administered questionnaire after informed parental or participant’s
consent. Data management was with SPSS 20.0 (IBM, USA), P-value <0.05 was significant.
Results: There were 2000 participants aged 13-19 years (mean 15.56±1.75), prevalence of FGM/C was 35.0%, awareness was 86.1%, mutilation was performed between infancy and eight years of age (mean 3.85±3.24 years), 644(32.2%) desire to mutilate their future daughters, 722(36.1%) expressed support for FGM/C and 63.1% of victims of FM/C reported adverse post-mutilation experiences. Support for FGM/C was associated with low social class (P0.0010), opinion that FGM/C has benefit (P0.001) and desire to mutilate future daughters (P0.001) while awareness of efforts to eradicate FMG/C was 813(40.7%).
Conclusion: FGM/C remains prevalent with potential support for its continuation among female adolescents despite reported
adverse post-mutilation experiences. The multi-pronged approach to eradicate FGM/C should prioritize re-orientation
for adolescent girls, rehabilitation of mutilated girls and girl child formal education.
Description
Keywords
Female genital mutilation, female circumcision, harmful traditional practices, adverse childhood experiences
Citation
Ezeoke, G.G., Adeniran, A.S., Adesina, K.T., Fawole, A.A., Ijaiya, M.A. & Olarinoye, A.O. (2021): Female adolescents and the future of female genital mutilation/cutting: A report from an endemic area. African Health Sciences 21(4):1808-16. The publication of Makerere University, Uganda. (Scopus Indexed) Available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ahs/issue/view/20273