A study on female circumcision in Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Public Health
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Female circumcision is a practice with significant health implications.
• Prevalence and perceptions of female circumcision vary across different ethnic groups.
• Understanding the socio-cultural factors influencing female circumcision is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of female circumcision among women attending a family planning clinic in Lagos.
• To investigate the socio-demographic characteristics associated with female circumcision.
• To explore awareness of side effects and motivations for the practice.

Main Methods:

• Random sampling of 181 women at a family planning clinic.
• Data collection through interviews and clinical examinations.
• Analysis of prevalence, age at circumcision, and ethnic variations.

Main Results:

• High claimed circumcision rate (56.4%) but lower confirmed rate (24.5% lacked evidence).
• Prevalence varied by ethnicity, with Edo and Igbo women showing higher rates.
• Most circumcisions occurred in infancy, with higher rates among Igbo and Yoruba infants.
• Higher education correlated with lower likelihood of circumcising daughters.
• Intergenerational practice and spousal/tribal influence were noted.

Conclusions:

• Significant discrepancy between claimed and actual female circumcision.
• Public health campaigns are needed to address awareness of complications, especially in practicing tribes.
• Authoritative intervention is warranted due to severe complications, despite data collection challenges.