Peer-reviewed article
Assessing Female Genital Mutilation Practice in South-Western Nigeria
Nihinlolawa Grace Alo, Ademola Abiodun Adetunji ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined female genital mutilation (FGM) practices across six states in south-western Nigeria. Researchers collected data from 18 senatorial districts using structured questionnaires to understand factors associated with FGM. The study found that age, place of residence, wealth status, and education significantly influence whether girls undergo FGM. Ekiti and Osun states had the highest rates, while Ogun state had the lowest. Most FGM procedures were performed by traditional practitioners, with clitoridectomy being the most common type practised in the region.
Key points
- Age, residence, wealth status, and educational background are significant factors in FGM prevalence
- Ekiti state has the highest odds of FGM, followed by Osun state; Ogun state has the lowest rates
- Traditional practitioners perform the majority of FGM procedures in south-western Nigeria
- Clitoridectomy (removal of the clitoris) is the most prevalent form of FGM in the region
- The study was conducted across 18 senatorial districts in six south-western states
Limitations
The study uses convenience sampling which may not be representative of all communities in the region. The document does not report the total sample size or provide details on how knowledge and practice gaps specifically differ or what interventions might address the identified risk factors.
Abstract
Background: With always dwindling resources in mitigating against various negative effects of female genital mutilation among girls/women in Nigeria, identifying factors that encourage the practice is highly imperative. Aim: This research assesses the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice and knowledge practice among states in the South-West of Nigeria. Methods: Data were collected across states in the South-West using a structured questionnaire. The hierarchical sampling technique is used to select a locality in each of the 18 senatorial districts across six states in the region. The convenience sampling technique is then used to select respondents. Results: It was found that the age, resident, wealth status, and educational background of respondents are significant factors in the circumcision status of respondents. The odds of being circumcised is highest among respondents from Ekiti state, followed by those from Osun state while it is lowest in Ogun state. The highest percentage of respondents who had their daughters’ circumcised used the help of traditional practitioners while removal of the clitoris is the most prevalent form of mutilations among residents in states in the South-West.