Ethical Implications of the Perception and Practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting among Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic at a Tertiary Health Facility in Zaria, North-West Nigeria

This qualitative study aims to explore and analyse the experiences of women living with female genital mutilation (FGM) who have sought help from healthcare providers within the NHS. Nine women aged 20–46 years were recruited from support organisations in the north-west of England and interviewed about their experiences of NHS care and if any screening had taken place in relation to the consequences of living with FGM. The interviews were undertaken in English, audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using a framework analysis method. Eight of the women had given birth and the main contact with the NHS had been with midwifery, gynaecology and paediatric services. Three key themes emerged from the qualitative data: involvement with healthcare professionals; silent suffering; and compassionate communication. Findings highlight the importance of sensitive and culturally competent communication nurses require to support women and refer them to appropriate services.

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Factors associated with the knowledge and attitude towards Female Genital Mutilation among antenatal clinic attendees in Southern Nigeria

Annals of Health Research ◽

10.30442/ahr.0502-20-50 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 183-192

Author(s):

AI Obi ◽

OE Obarisiagbon ◽

OL Igbinadolor ◽

KM Fatai ◽

OO Adesoye

Keyword(s):

Female Genital Mutilation ◽

Antenatal Clinic ◽

Cultural Practice ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Benin City ◽

Edo State ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Female Genital

Background: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a common cultural practice in Benin City, Edo State and by extension, Nigeria. The knowledge and attitude towards FGM may play significant roles in influencing this harmful socio-cultural practice. Objective: To identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards female genital mutilation (FGM) among Antenatal Clinic (ANC) attendees in selected health facilities in Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A facility-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 400 pregnant women recruited by systematic sampling technique from selected health facilities in Benin City, Edo State. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection from consenting pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in selected public tertiary and secondary health facilities in the study area. Information related to socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitude towards FGM were collected. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30.3±4.8 years. All the respondents were aware of the term Female Genital Mutilation. Two hundred and forty-eight (62%) and 302 (75.5%) had good knowledge and negative attitude towards FGM respectively. Age group (p = 0.005), religion (p = 0.007) and educational status (p <0.001) were identified as significant factors influencing knowledge of FGM while in relation to attitude towards FGM, knowledge of FGM (p<0.001) had significant influence. Conclusion: This study identified a gap between knowledge and attitude towards FGM among the respondents. Good knowledge of FGM significantly influenced attitude towards FGM. There is a need to scale up health sensitization during ANC sessions to bridge the gap identified.

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Religion, Culture and Medicine Analysis of Female Genital Mutilation amongst 84 Antenatal Clinic Attendees at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2020/v32i1530615 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 89-90

Author(s):

S. Eli ◽

D. G. B. Kalio ◽

N. C. T. Briggs ◽

K. E. Okagua

Keyword(s):

Teaching Hospital ◽

Female Genital Mutilation ◽

Antenatal Clinic ◽

University Teaching ◽

State University ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

The World ◽

The Mean ◽

Rivers State ◽

Female Genital

Introduction: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or Female Circumcision (FC) have been influenced by religion, culture and medicine. The practice of FGM have been associated with myriads of negative health consequences, resulting in its abolishment by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is unlike male circumcision which is well accepted by most religions of the world, culture and medically. Aim: To ascertain the influence of religion, culture and medicine as regards FGM amongst antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). Methods: It was a cross sectional study of ANC attendees at The RSUTH. The Information was retrieved using a self structured questionnaire which was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total number 84 ANC attendees were recruited for the study. The mean age was 30.7 years and the modal parity was 1. The mean gestational age was 15.8 weeks. Twenty (23.8%) respondents had FC, all of whom were Christians. Eighteen (21.4%) of the respondents were of the opinion that FGM was a good practice; while 66 (78.6%) respondents believed that FGM was a wrong practice. The 2 most common reasons for FGM were to prevent promiscuity 7 (8.3%) and cultural reasons 7 (8.3%). The commonest known complication by respondents following FGM was bleeding from the genital tract 24 (28.6%). Conclusion: The prevalence of FGM from the study was 23.8% amongst ANC attendees at the RSUTH. Religion, culture and medicine may play vital roles in the eradication of FGM in our sub-region as recommended by WHO.

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