The awareness and practice of female genital mutilation in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe extensive practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is common in Nigerian societies, and it is generally done on infants as early as eight days after giving birth to them in early childhood, but it is usually done before marriage or before the first child is delivered. FGM has apparently caused pain to women, varying from infection, haemorrhage to difficulty in childbirth, even emotional distress.ObjectivesThis study wherefore investigated the awareness and practice of female genital mutilation in Alimosho local government area, Lagos state, Nigeria to recognize the influence of the practice of FGM and suggest how to stop the danger of FGM in the society. A cross-sectional study was done to appraise the awareness and practices of female genital mutilation among the residents of Alimosho local government area of Lagos state.MethodsA self-structured questionnaire was given to 301 males and females selected randomly, and the data were analysed using the Chi-square statistical tool.ResultThe result shows that while there is a significant level of knowledge and awareness regarding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in this area, there remains a minute section of the populace that are unaware of the danger associated with the practice of FGM.ConclusionIt is highly commendable that women and men should be educated by the health personnel or people who are well educated on the danger FGM imposes on their health in order to stop the practice of FGM, and the government should enforce the penalties on the violators of FGM laws.