Prevalence of female genital mutilation among female infants in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Female genital cutting is still practiced in our environment. Educational enlightenment is fundamental in changing public opinion as well as in offering reasonable alternative to FGM. Campaign against the practice of FGM should be encouraged to eradicate its practice.

Perception and attitude of pregnant women in a rural community north-west Nigeria to female genital mutilation

“…However, these uncommon types are commonly practiced in other parts of the country [6] especially in the southern parts [14,15] and are also practiced in the urban areas in northern Nigeria [6,9,13,16]. About four of ten respondents that were aware of FGM had experienced it, and 56 % of them had Gishiri cut while 49 % had experienced Angurya cuts.…”

“…Despite these problems, this practice is still been carried out for various reasons irrespective of ethnicity or religion [12] and it has been reported to be influenced by level of education and the environment as daughters of urban and educated women are less likely to undergo FGM [12]. Although majority of studies on FGM in northern Nigeria [9,10,13,14] were urban area facility based, since the bulk of the FGM in Nigeria takes place during infancy [9], it is imperative to have an insight into the perception and attitude of pregnant women in rural setting to FGM. The findings from this study would assist in planning interventions to reduce the incidence and complications associated with this practice in the community.…”

“…FGM does not have any medical advantage rather it is associated with complications depending on the type and extent [6, 8,9]. These complications could be physical, social or psychological and may be immediate or late [6,10].…”

Prevalence and predictors of female genital mutilation among infants in a semi urban community in northern Nigeria

“…In a facility-based survey, the prevalence of FGM among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Birnin Kudu northwest Nigeria was 39.1% (of which 56% and 49% had "Gishiri" and "Angurya" respectively) [14], while a prevalence of 13.1% was observed among female infants examined at the immunisation clinic of a tertiary health facility in Kano, Nigeria with type I being most prevalent (96%) [16].…”

“…Hence it is not uncommon among pregnant women in the northwest zone of the country attempting childbirth at home under the care of traditional birth attendants [18]. "Angurya" cut is commonly carried out for dyspareunia and upholding existing tradition [7,11,12,14,16].…”