Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2004, Vol. 24, No. 3 , Pages 281-283
Female genital mutilation: an analysis of 522 cases in South-Western Nigeria
Dare FO, Oboro VO, Fadiora SO, Orji EO, Sule-Odu AO, Olabode TO
Address for correspondence: FO, Dare, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria oborovo@yahoo.com
Abstract
This study was conducted at three teaching hospitals in South-Western Nigeria. Paturients were examined to find out if they had had female genital mutilation. Those who did were given a self-administered questionnaire. Results show that all the patients had either Type I (69%) or Type II (31%) mutilation (using WHO classification). The average age at which the procedure was performed was 6.9 ± 2.9 years, with 4% of women having the procedure performed in pregnancy. The majority of the procedures were performed by medically untrained personnel (89%). Up to 67% of the women reported complications following the procedure. Severe pain and bleeding were the most common (69%) of the complications reported. The most common reason given for the procedure is cultural/traditional (63%). About a fifth of the women want their female child to undergo female genital mutilation. This study highlights the need for further interventions aimed at discouraging the practice of female genital mutilation.
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