Breaking the Silence: Understanding the practice of Breast ironing in Cameroon

Abstract

This study described the prevalence of breast ironing in Cameroon using information collected through interviews of 5661 girls and women aged 10&82 years of age. Descriptive statistics were made and results showed that the practice of breast ironing is widespread across all provinces with high prevalence in the Littoral Province. In addition the study found that mother’s were the main perpetrators of breast ironing. Further research on the health effects (physical and psychological) on the practice of breast ironing is warranted.

Keywords: Breast Ironing, Cameroon, Family violence