Demographic Predictors of Cultural Practices Regarding Female Genital Mutilation among Married Women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Lois N. Omaka-Amari
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Eduucation, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Edith N. Obande-Ogbuinya
Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Christian O. Aleke
*
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Eduucation, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Afoke N. Eunice
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Eduucation, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Jude N. Nwafor
Department of Physical and Health Education, Ebonyi State University College of Education, Ikwo, Nigeria.
Onyechi Nwankwo
African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria.
Precious I. Igwenyi
Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Peoples’ life and quality of health are usually dependent on the cultural practices and norms of the community.
Objectives: This study investigated Female Genital Mutilation Practices and Associated Factors among Married Women in the Ebonyi State of Nigeria.
Methods: The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted from August 2019 to January 2020. Out of 260 questionnaires distributed, only 7 copies were discarded and a total of 253 women were drawn for the study through multi-stage sampling technique. Frequency, percentage, and logistics regression were the statistical tools used for data analysis.
Results: The majority of the participants: aged 25-34 years (37.9%); Christians (76.3%); urban dwellers (50.2%); had tertiary education (36.4%); had 3-4 children (32.0%); and were in business (29.2%) respectively. The cultural practices regarding FGM among married women in Ebonyi State were high (60.5%). Also, the majority of the participants (67.7%) were circumcised. Age by birth, religious affiliation, location, level of education, number of children, and occupation were predictors of the cultural practice of FGM with obvious variations. There is no significant difference existed with respect to religious affiliation, level of education, number of children, and occupation (P-value>0.05) while the difference was observed on the age by birth and location (P-value<0.05).
Conclusion: The high cultural practice of FGM is influenced by certain demographic predictors. Thus, there is a need for the Ebonyi State government in collaboration with other health agencies to adopt effective interventions, public health enlightenment, and mass education focusing on the negative consequences of FGM practices.
Keywords: Female genital mutilation, associated factors, married women, normative approach