http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23444547
A retrospective cross-sectional study that sought to examine age at first marriage through analysing data extracted from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 2008. Findings revealed that the mean age at first marriage was 17.8±4.8 years and significant difference existed between the mean age at first marriage of women in the North (16.0±3.6) and South (20.4±5.0). Majority of the women married between ages 15 and 19 years (43.1 percent), while very few married at age 30 or later (2.3 percent), and about 27.0 percent married earlier at less than 15 years. Region, education, religion, residence, nutritional status, age at first sexual intercourse, and children ever born were significantly associated with timing of first marriage. Early marriage was more common in all the regions in the North than the South, and it was highest in the North West and North East. Women who resided in rural areas married earlier than their counterparts in the urban areas. Age at first marriage was directly related to levels of education. Muslim women married earlier than Christians.
Amu, O.C., Udeh, E.I., Ugochukwu, A.I., Madu, C., Nzegwu, M.A. (2012). A case of vulvar
swelling secondary to female circumcision posing a diagnostic dilemma. International
Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 3(9):431–4. Article available at:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3397301/
The aim of this paper was to highlight the diagnostic dilemma associated with this type of case and the psychological trauma of a patient following her genital mutilations. Authors presented the case of epidermal inclusion dermoid cyst in an 18-year-old woman referred to them (at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, South-east, Nigeria) from the gynaecologist as a case of hydrocele of the canal of Nuck involving the left labia majora. The patient had been previously seen by a general practitioner who diagnosed a left
Bartholin’s cyst. Excision of the mass, revealed a well encapsulated cystic mass containing serous fluid with no extension to the inguinal area, measured 10cm×8cm. Histology showed epidermoid inclusion dermoid cyst probably related to female genital mutilation.
Garba, I.D., Muhammed, Z., Abubakar, I.S., Yakasai, I. A. (2012). Prevalence of female
genital mutilation among female infants in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Archives of Gynecology
and Obstetrics, 286(2):423–8. Article available at:
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00404-012-2312-8
To determine the prevalence and type of female genital mutilation (FGM) among female infants, reasons and attitude of the mothers to the practice, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at tertiary centre in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria (Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital). A pre-tested questionnaire was administered for mothers of female infants presenting for routine immunization. A total of 250 questionnaires were administered, but only 200 were properly filled and this was used for the analysis. Twenty-six infants had FGM during the period of study, giving a prevalence rate of 13 percent. The mean age at cutting was 8 days ± 7.3. The commonest type of FGM was type I accounting for 96.2 percent of the cases. Tradition/culture was the commonest reason for mutilation accounting for 73.1 percent, other reasons included; religious in 11.5 percent, hygienic in 11.5 percent, and to preserve virginity in 3.8 percent. Traditional barbers were the most common operators in 80.8 percent of cases, followed by the nurse/midwife in 15.4 percent of cases. The fathers were the main decision makers in 46.2 percent, followed by both parents in 26.9 percent and grandparents in 15.4 percent of the cases. 84 percent of mothers were not in support of the practice. Thirteen percent of the clients would have FGM done on all their daughters. Forty-eight percent of the clients were of the opinion that FGM causes harm to the victims. Four percent of those whose daughters were yet to have FGM done would do so later.
Iliyasu, Z., Abubakar, I.S., Galadanci, H.S., Haruna, F., Aliyu, M.H. (2012). Predictors of
female genital cutting among university students in northern Nigeria. Journal of Obstetrics
and Gynaecology, 32(4):387–92. Article available at:
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/01443615.2012.666582
Using self-administered questionnaires, investigators studied the prevalence and determinants of female genital cutting (FGC) among female university students in Kano, Nigeria (n =359). Respondents’ age ranged from 17 to 40 years (mean± SD=22.8± 3.3 years). The majority of respondents were of Hausa-Fulani ethnicity (n =222, 61.8 percent), Muslim ( n=275, 76.5 percent), and single ( n=261, 73.1 percent). The prevalence of FGC was 12.1 percent (95 percent confidence interval =8.8-15.8 percent). Awareness and disapproval of FGC among the study population was very high (96 percent and 91 percent, respectively). In multivariate regression models, ethnicity and geographic origin were significant predictors of female circumcision.
Johnson, O.E., Okon, R.D. (2012). Perception and practice of female genital cutting in a
rural community in southern Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 16 (4):132–
9. Article available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23444550
This study was carried out to determine the awareness and practice of female genital cutting (FGC) in a rural community in southern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out among Ayadehe women in Itu, LGA Akwa Ibom State, South-south Nigeria using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 218 respondents participated in the study. Most of the respondents, 138 (63.3 percent) were above 30 years of age. More than half, 129 (59.2 percent) were married, while 45 (20.6 percent) were single. A total of 83(38.1 percent) had no formal education, 79 (36.2 percent) had primary and 49 (22.5 percent) secondary education. One hundred and twenty one (55.5 percent) were farmers, while civil servants constituted the least group of 7 (3.2 percent). Majority, 215 (98.6 percent) were aware of the practice of FGC. Type 2 FGC was the commonest type reported by 71.2 percent of respondents. Prevalence of FGC was 92.7 percent. A total of 69.8 percent were circumcised between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Health
complications experienced included excruciating pains, (36.6 percent), severe bleeding, (15.8 percent), and painful urination, (26.7 percent). Up to 53.5 percent were circumcised by traditional birth attendants. The belief that FGM should be discontinued increased with educational level.
Okeke, T., Anyaehie, U., Ezenyeaku, C. (2012). An overview of female genital mutilation in
Nigeria. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, 2(1):70–3. Article available at:
http://www.ajol.info/index.php/amhsr/article/view/87793/77445
The objective of this review was to ascertain the current status of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria. Pertinent literature on FGM retrieved from internet services [Google search on FGM in Nigeria, www.online Nigeria, PubMed of the national library of medicine www.medconsumer. Info/tropics/fgm.htm, Biomed central and African Journal Online (AJOL) (FGM)] and textbooks, journals, and selected references for proper understanding of the topic was included in this review. The national prevalence rate of FGM was found to be 41 percent among adult women. Evidence abounded that the prevalence of FGM was declining. The ongoing drive to eradicate FGM was being tackled by World Health Organization, United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, Federation of International Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO), African Union, The economic commission for Africa, and many women organizations. However, there was no federal law banning FGM in Nigeria. The reviewers concluded that there was a need to eradicate FGM in Nigeria and that education of the general public at all levels with emphasis on the dangers and undesirability of FGM was paramount.
Okwudili, O.A., Chukwudi, O.R. (2012). Urinary and genital tract obstruction as a
complication of female genital mutilation: case report and literature review. Journal of
Surgical Technique and Case Report, 4(1):64–6. Article available at:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3461785/
This paper presents the case of a 23-year-old undergraduate, with urinary and genital tract obstruction following female genital mutilation (infibulation) who presented to the authors’ urology service at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakiliki in South-east Nigeria. She was managed by elective defibulation, with a satisfactory outcome.
Alo, O.A., & Gbadebo, B. (2011). Intergenerational attitude changes regarding female
genital cutting in Nigeria. Journal of Women’s Health, 20 (11):1655–61. Article available
at: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2010.2610
This study used data from 420 women aged 15–49 years who had at least one surviving daughter to investigate changes in female genital cutting (FGC) prevalence among mothers and daughters. The sample was systematically selected through stratified random sampling across the six states of southwest Nigeria. Focus group discussion, and an in-depth interviews with fourteen women considered to be specialist in FGC were also held to compliment data generated from the interview. The analysis indicated an FGC prevalence rate of 75 percent and 71 percent for mothers and daughters, respectively. It further indicated that the practice is rooted in tradition despite the fact that 52 percent of the respondents were aware of the health hazards of FGC. Educated mothers were found to be less likely to favour the cutting of their daughters.
Ezenyeaku, C., Okeke, T., Chigbu, C., Ikeako, L. (2011). Survey of women's opinions on
female genital mutilation (FGM) in Southeast Nigeria: study of patients attending antenatal
clinic. Annals of Medical and Health Science Research, 1(1):15–20. Article available at:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3507097/
To determine women's views on aspects of female genital mutilation and the prevalence among the study population, women attending the antenatal clinics of two university teaching hospitals in Southeast Nigeria were interviewed by means of structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires. There were 342 respondents. The mean age of the respondents was 31.5±9.7 (Range: 14–50) years. One hundred and
thirteen (33.0 percent) of the respondents were nulliparous, 46 (13.5 percent) were primiparous, 88 (25.7 percent) were multiparous, and 95 (27.8 percent) were grand multiparous. Sixteen (4.6 percent) of the respondents had no formal education, 40 (11.7 percent) had primary education, while 102 (29.8 percent) had secondary education. One hundred and eighty four (53.8 percent) had tertiary education. The prevalence of FGM was 42.1 percent. However, only 14.3 percent of the respondents had FGM done on their own daughters or showed willingness to have FGM done on their daughters indicating considerable reduction in uptake of the practice. A larger proportion (63.7 percent) would support legislation against FGM.
Dattijo, L.M., Nyango, D.D., Osagie, O.E. (2010). Awareness, perception and practice of
female genital mutilation among expectant mothers in Jos University Teaching Hospital
Jos, north-central Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Medicine, 19 (3):311–5. Article available at:
http://svriforum2009.svri.org/presentations/Osagie.pdf
Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 260 expectant mothers at the antenatal clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital from 1 to 31 July 2007. Majority of the respondents (94.6 percent) were aware of female genital mutilation (FGM). Mass media was the main source of information. Majority (83.8 percent) wanted the practice to be discontinued, 31.3 percent reported having had FGM, most done by traditional healers. About 14.6 percent had a plan to have FGM done on their daughters citing tradition, marriage prospects, and faithfulness to husband as their reasons. Only 16.2 percent wanted the practice to continue.
Ekwueme, O.C., Ezegwui, H.U., Ezeoke, U. (2010). Dispelling the myths and beliefs toward
female genital cutting of woman: assessing general outpatient services at a tertiary health
institution in Enugu state, Nigeria. East African Journal of Public Health, 7(1):64–7. Article
available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21413575
This study aimed at using accurate information to dispel the traditional myths and beliefs about female genital mutilation (FGM) among women. Using a before and after intervention evaluation research design, interviewer administered questionnaires were administered to a sample of 100 women drawn by systematic sampling from the General Outpatient Department of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Southeastern, Nigeria. Information on their knowledge, attitude, and behaviour towards FGM were elicited pre-and-post intervention. Pre-intervention, knowledge of the respondents on the true meaning of FGM was 54 percent and that of the 6 complications enlisted on average was 22.2 percent. Seventy (70.0 percent) believed that FGM is good and should be continued based mainly on culture and tradition (85.7 percent). Among the 29 (29.0 percent) respondents against FGM, 26 (89.7 percent) and 24(82.8 percent) said it increases risk of HIV and pregnancy complications, respectively. Respondents displayed a high negative and stigmatizing attitude toward the uncircumcised women. Seventy-four (74.0 percent) said they are promiscuous. Additionally, 49 percent said they are shameful, 14 percent cursed/outcast while 66 percent would not recommend them for marriage. Post-intervention, 85 percent of the respondents understood full meaning of FGM and 71.3 percent on the average knew the complications. While only 11 percent supported FGM and 83 percent were against the practice. The stigmatizing attitudes held against uncircumcised women decreased significantly from baseline to post-intervention as follows: promiscuous 74 percent to 22 percent, shameful 49 percent to 12 percent, outcast/cursed 14 percent to 2 percent, and not good for marriage from 66 percent to 19 percent. The differences in the baseline and post-intervention data on knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of the respondents toward FGM were statistically significant (p < 0.001).