Determinants of Female Genital Mutilation Practices in Selected Rural Communities of Delta State

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation is a traditional practice involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Rooted in gender inequality, female genital mutilation seeks to control women's sexuality and has numerous undesirable consequences. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and determinants of female genital mutilation practices in selected rural communities of Delta State.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in three selected communities in Delta State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 457 household heads and data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.  Data was analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0.

Results: Among the 457 respondents studied, 403 (88.2%) reported awareness of FGM, with family members being the primary source of information (66.3%). However, 103 (25.6%) believe FGM is beneficial, 154 (38.2%) were aware that female genital mutilation is harmful while 263 (57.5%) respondents had good knowledge of the complications of female genital mutilation. Furthermore, 152 (33.3%) respondents had circumcised their female children, and 18 (11.8%) felt pressured to do so. The significant predictors of female genital mutilation practices include age group 31-40years (AOR=0.55; 95%CI=0.32-0.92), secondary education (AOR=1.97; 95%CI=1.22-3.18) and family size (AOR=0.54; 95%CI=0.33-0.82) among others.

Conclusion: Most respondents were aware that female genital mutilation was harmful and had good knowledge of its complication. Female genital mutilation practices were low, and the significant predictors of practice include age, family size and level of education and awareness of harmful effect of female genital mutilation.