Female genital mutilation in Nigeria

Abstract

To determine the prevalence and distribution of female genital mutilation (FGM) procedures in a Nigerian population. Five hundred consecutive women were evaluated for evidence of FGM. The WHO classification system was utilized. Demographic and sociocultural information was collected. Thirty-four percent of women were found to have some type of FGM. Type I and Type II procedures were the most common. Fifty-five percent of women were unaware they had FGM and 62% with FGM did not know the reason. Twenty-one percent of women said they were going to have FGM on their daughters. FGM is still broadly practiced among ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria. Educational efforts need to be directed at eliminating this practice.