Female genital mutilation: knowledge, attitude and practice among nurses

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Female genital mutilation (FGM) persists globally, particularly in Africa, despite international efforts to eradicate it.
• This study focuses on FGM prevalence and perceptions in Benin, Nigeria, a region with high FGM rates and where the practice is legally prohibited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses regarding FGM in Benin City, Nigeria.
• To understand nurses' perceptions of FGM, including its perceived harmlessness and cultural significance.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 193 nurses in a study hospital in Benin.
• 182 nurses (94.3%) completed questionnaires detailing their demographics, FGM knowledge, attitudes, and personal/professional practices.

Main Results:

• 44% of nurses surveyed had undergone FGM. Most identified some harmful effects, but 24.2% believed certain forms were harmless.
• 12.6% of nurses routinely performed FGM, often citing cultural reasons. Nearly 15% of those who had previously performed FGM intended to do so in the future.
• Nurses with over 11 years of experience were more likely to have performed FGM.

Conclusions:

• Nurses in Benin largely perceive FGM as a cultural practice, with significant personal experience and a minority recommending it.
• Effective FGM eradication requires culturally sensitive education for healthcare providers and the public, highlighting health risks and human rights violations.