Prevalence of female genital mutilation and parents' attitude among the Yorubas in Western Nigeria

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a term used to describe the removal of all or a section of the external parts of the female genitalia is recognized worldwide as an unnecessarily destructive practice affecting the human reproductive system. Within the last decade, the Nigerian government has recognized the practice of female genital mutilation as a major public health problem and has mounted extensive media campaigns to stop it. This paper primarily examines the extent to which government campaign efforts have yielded fruits. Specifically, it examines the current prevalence of the practice and its perception among urban working parents. The study participants consisted of 1583 female parents selected by accidental sampling technique from government offices in three urban cities of Osun State, Nigeria. The “Practice of Female Circumcision” questionnaire was administered to parents to collect data on the prevalence of FGM and to determine the attitude of subjects towards the practice. Results from frequency counts, percentages, and chi-square statistical analysis of data revealed that majority of sampled mothers engaged in FGM within the last five years with adherence to tradition and the need to protect female children from sexual promiscuity as major reasons for the practice. The paper highlights the need for a well-coordinated professional counselling intervention to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation.br>
African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance Vol. 13 (1) 2007: pp. 17-31