Browsing by Author "Olufunmilayo Doyinsola AFONJA"

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    Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Female Genital Mutilation among Mothers in Oyo State, Nigeria
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Olufunmilayo Doyinsola AFONJA
    Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or injury to the female genital organs for cultural and non-therapeutic reasons. It is a public health problem which results into serious health consequences which may be short- or long-term health risk. Short term health risks are severe pain, excessive bleeding, spread of infection and urinary problems while long term health risks are various forms of long-term infections, menstrual and sexual problems and psychological consequences. Despite the numerous health risks, global outcry and interventions from the government, national and international agencies, FGM still remains highly prevalent in some communities in Oyo State, Southwest, Nigeria. Though, a lot of work has been carried out on Female Genital Mutilation in Oyo State but with little attention in these parts of the State hence, the researcher sought to investigate Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among Mothers in Oyo State. Six research questions were raised for the study. Mixed research method approach was employed. Study sample comprised 1,150 mothers from FGM prevalent communities in three LGAs (Ibadan North, Oyo West and Kajola) in Oyo State. Interview guide and questionnaire titled – “Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Female Genital Mutilation Questionnaire, KAPFGMQ (α = .865)” were used to gather data. Data were analysed using descriptive, inferential and thematic analysis. Results revealed that the mothers have good knowledge of FGM (x̅= 2.251) and good perception of its laws (x̅= 2.260), do not agree to most reasons for the continued practice of FGM (x̅ = 1.357), have low practice of FGM (x̅= 1.462) and they and their daughters did not experience painful FGM procedure nor health complications (x̅= 1.332). Hypotheses revealed a significant joint contribution of knowledge and attitude to the practice of FGM among mothers (F2, 1140 = 4.171, P<0.05). It was however concluded that the good level of knowledge and weak attitude of the mothers towards FGM could be the cause of their reduced level of FGM practice in Oyo State. It was recommended amongst others that government and stakeholders should ensure continuous awareness program to improvement of mothers’ knowledge of FGM and the laws against the practice of Female genital Mutilation in the state using various sources so as to reduce the practice to a much lower level. Keywords: Female Genital Mutilation, Attitude, Knowledge, Practice, Prevalence, Mother Word Count: 395