Beliefs and Prevalence of Female Genital Circumcision among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-natal Clinic in a Mission Hospital in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Introduction: Female genital cutting (FGC) or circumcision is one of the age-long cultural practices in many African countries including Nigeria.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the beliefs of pregnant women attending the ante-natal clinic of a mission hospital in Uyo, about female genital cutting.

Methods: This was a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between August and October 2015. Using systematic sampling techniques, 364 newly registered pregnant women who enlisted for care during the study period were recruited. Using strict aseptic technique, vaginal examination was done for each respondent to determine the types of female genital cutting based on World Health Organization (WHO) classification.

Results: The mean age of respondents in this study was 28.3±4.3 years. The prevalence of female genital cutting among respondents in this study was 22.5%. FGC was more prevalent among respondents who were older (p=0.001); Attained higher level of education (p=0.001); And among those in the low income group (p=0.001). Removal of the labia minora (Type 2a) was the dominant type of FGC among respondents accounting for 64.4%; This was followed by type 1a (removal of the clitoral hood or prepuce) 18.3%; Type 1b (removal of the clitoris with the prepuce) was present in 15.9% respondents while type 3a (removal and apposition of the labia minora) was present in 1.2% of the respondents.

Among the respondents, FGC was believed to reduce sexual desire of the victims (p=0.009; prevents promiscuity (p=.003); While others belief that it improves hygiene (p=0.018).

Conclusion: Findings from this study have shown that the practice of FGC is complex. The increasing prevalence among those who are older might mean that practice of FGC is reducing among the younger generation. Education and empowerment of women are most needed now along with enforcement of laws aimed at eradicating the practice.