O-17: Female Genital Mutilation: A Curse or Blessing among Women of Reproductive Age in Nigeria

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) practice is mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as attending childbirths. Increasingly, FGM is also performed by health care providers. However, FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. The study investigates a broad cross-cultural study on knowledge, attitude and practice of female genital mutilation among women of reproductive age in 20communities in Nigeria, to examine health seeking behavior of women at reproductive age especially in rural communities, to investigate the health blessing or curse of female genital mutilation among women of reproductive age, the study identifies various classifications of FGM, the study examines the reasons for the FGM practice in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This paper randomly selected 1500 dwellers in 20 communities in Nigeria. The questionnaire and interviews were recorded verbatim in a bid to elicit information from the respondents. To support the assumptions and perceptions of this study, statistical tools such as; percentages and regression analysis were employed for the purpose of presenting the data in a meaningful way. Results: The result then shows that knowledge, attitude and practice of FGM is shallow and traditional forgetting the harmful effect, the result also shows there healthseeking behavior which is the visit to herbalist or traditional healers. Conclusion: The study recommends a proactive approach to addressing the issue through and appropriate health care for girl and women who have already undergone FGM respecting the dignity, identity and culture of all people and communities affected by FGM, recognizing the abandonment of FGM which requires a holistic approach.