Perception of Women Aged 15-49 Years Towards Female Genital Mutilation in Umueme Community, Obingwa L.G.A, Abia State

Abstract

This study is on the perception of women aged 15-49 years towards female genital mutilation in the Umueme community, Obingwa L.G.A., Abia State. The 80 women were randomly selected on different days at different times in the health centre. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The data collected was analysed using inferential statistics, including the Chi-square (χ²) test of association, to establish relationships between selected demographic variables and awareness/perception of FGM and socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of FGM. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The result showed that, out of the 80 respondents studied, the majority, 37 (46.3%), were between the ages of 26–35 years, while 28 (35.0%) were aged 36–45 years. All 80 (100%) respondents had heard of FGM before in their lives, with the major sources of information being friends/relatives 33 (41.3%), social gatherings 29 (36.3%), and association with religious leaders 15 (18.8%). The chi-square test of association indicated that there was a significant association between age and belief (χ²=8.421, p=0.038), marital status and perception (χ²=9.114, p=0.028), religion and cultural support for FGM (χ²=7.306, p=0.026), religion approves the practice of FGM (χ²=11.573, p=0.003), educational level and awareness of the negative health effects of FGM (χ²=12.447, p=0.006) and the opinion on discouraging FGM due to health risks (χ²=10.638, p=0.014). However, there were no significant associations found between age and the perception of the effects of FGM on health (p=0.102); occupation and belief that FGM protects virginity (p=0.121); parity and support for the continuation of FGM (p=0.121); and age and trust in the midwives to advise on FGM (p=0.171). The findings indicate a growing awareness of the harmful consequences of FGM among women in the Umueme community. Nevertheless, persistent cultural influences, family pressures, and traditional beliefs continue to sustain the practice.