CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as all procedures which involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia and/or injury to the female genital organs, whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons. FGM is an unhealthy traditional practice inflicted on girls and women worldwide. FGM is widely recognized as a violation of human rights, which is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and perceptions over decades and generations with no easy task for change. Anesthetics are not used and the practice is usually carried out using basic tools such as knives, scissors, scalpels, pieces of glass and razor blades. Often iodine or a mixture of herbs is placed on the wound to tighten the vagina and stop the bleeding.
Thus in cultures where it is widely practiced, FGM has become important part of the cultural identity of girls and women and may also impart a sense of pride, a coming of age and a feeling of community membership (UNICEF, 2005). FGM is a procedure which causes a number of health problems for woman and girls. There is a great deal of evidence indicating extremely detrimental long and short term health consequences (UNICEF 2002).
The practice of female genital mutilation occurs throughout the world. The International Planned Parenthood Federation estimates that between 85 and 115 million girls and women living today in the Arab world, sub-Saharan Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, as well as in immigrant populations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, have undergone this traditional procedure (duRocher, 1992). Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 2 million girls are at risk of female genital mutilation annually (World Health Organization, 1994).
Currently, only anecdotal accounts outline the range and forms of female genital mutilation allegedly practiced in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Data does exist, however, for the regions where FGM remains a traditional custom. Sunna circumcision continues in North and South Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Southern Algeria. Cases of excision are found throughout Africa, including Egypt, Mozambique, Botswana, and Lesotho. Infibulations remains customary in Somalia, Ethiopia, the Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso (previously Upper Volta), and parts of the Ivory Coast. Although little information is available, it has been documented that this procedure is practiced by Muslim populations in the Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru (duRocher, 1992).
Current statistics indicated that more than 3 million girls experience genital mutilation worldwide each year and that between 100 to 140 million girls and women in Africa and the Middle East have undergone FGM (WHO, 2008). This study sought to assess the current status of FGM and it is hoped that this study will assist government in re-evaluating existing policies so towards the eradication of FGM in Nigeria.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Nigeria has the highest absolute number of female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide, accounting for about one-quarter of the estimated 115–130 million circumcised women in the world. In Nigeria, subjection of girls and women to obscure traditional practices is legendary, but this practice of FGM has no known health benefits and it is reported to be harmful to girls and women. The victim suffers severe pain during cutting and the removal of the external genitalia and this damages the healthy, normal genital tissue thereby interfering with the natural functioning of the body. Immediate and long-term health consequences of FGM include severe bleeding, infections, retention of urine, and later, potential complications during childbirth that can lead to maternal and newborn deaths.
According to Okeke et al., (2012), he reported that the national prevalence rate of FGM is 41% in Nigeria among adult women. Evidence abound that the prevalence of FGM is declining. The ongoing drive to eradicate FGM is tackled by World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children Fund (UNICEF), Federation of International Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO), African Union, The economic commission for Africa, and many women organizations.
1.3 JUSTIFICATION
Custom and tradition are the main justification given for the practice of female genital mutilation (Muganda 2002). People adhere to this practice because it is part of their culture and fulfilling this aspect of culture gives them a sense of pride and satisfaction. The practice of FGM is one of the most significant health and human right issues in the world (UNICEF, 2005). Female genital mutilation is commonly practiced in this part of the country. However, there is paucity of information regarding this. This study therefore sought to determine the awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices of FGM among adults of Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State
1.4 GENERAL OBJECTIVE
The general objective of the study is to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices of Female Genital Mutilation among adults of Ede North Local Government Area, Osun state.
1.5 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the awareness of respondent on FGM
2. To determine the knowledge and attitude of respondent towards FGM.
3. To assess the practice of FGM among adults of Ede North Local Government Area, Osun state.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. Are the adults in Ede North Local Government Area aware of FGM?
2. Are the adults in Ede North Local Government have knowledge on FGM?
3. What is the attitude of adults of Ede North Local Government towards FGM?
4. Do Ede North Local Government adults practice FGM?
1.7 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS/ ABBREVIATION
1. Awareness: The state or quality of being aware of something (English Dictionary).
2. Knowledge: The fact of knowing about something; general understanding or familiarity with a subject, place, situation e.t.c (English Dictionary).
3. Attitude: A predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or negatively towards a certain idea, object, person or situation (English Dictionary).
4. Practice: A customary action, habit or behavior, a manner or routine (English Dictionary).
5. Adult: is a person who has attained the age of majority and is therefore regarded as independent, self-sufficient, and responsible. The typical age of attaining adulthood is 18, although definition may vary by legal rights and country (Wikipedia Dictionary).
6. Female Genital Mutilation: this means all procedures that involve partial or total removal of female external genitalia or injury to the genital organs for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons (WHO, 2013). This can be interchangeably with female circumcision or female genital cut.
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