Knowledge of the Health Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation in Bere Community, Oyo State, Nigeria

Estimates suggest that more than 130 million girls and women have been subjected to the various forms of female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide. This paper discusses FGM and the perception of its consequences on womens reproductive health in Bere community Ibadan Southwest Nigeria. Data were collected through household surveys using semi-structured questionnaires in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Results showed that 93% of women surveyed were circumcised. One hundred per cent of these circumcised women believed that FGM enhances womens fertility and they attributed their previous safe childbirths (without complications) to being circumcised. A few respondents (33.6%) were aware of the health consequences of FGM. Most respondents (76%) were not willing to stop the practice. Male respondents had better knowledge of the consequences of FGM than female respondents. Similarly younger respondents and those with higher education knew the health consequences of FGM more than the older respondents and those with little or no education (p < 0.05). The findings suggest the need for appropriate health education interventions targeting people in communities where FGM is pervasive emphasizing the consequences of FGM. (authors)