Hemuka Jane Ngozika
University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Title: Men’s percep on toward female genital mu la on in Nigeria
Biography
Biography: Hemuka Jane Ngozika
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the cutting of the external female genital organs for non-medical purposes. It is a public health problem that is widespread in Nigeria. Th e views and attitudes of women about the practice are widely researched and known however, very little empirical research has been conducted to attempt to explain the views of men about the practice. Th is study aims to investigates men’s knowledge and perceptions toward FGM in a local Igbo community in Nigeria. Methods: A mixed method study was conducted in Uturu Abia State, Nigeria from August to September 2017. A convenience sample of 258 men were invited to take part in a survey while a total of ten men participated in the individual interviews. Results: Out of the 258 men who responded to the invitation, 215 respondents completed the questionnaire and returned them. Response rate was at least 83%. Th e fi ndings of the study revealed that 100% of the men have heard of FGM however, only 69% have knowledge of any health consequences related to FGM. 58% of the men think that FGM is harmful to women and as a result, 58% of the men thinks that it is a bad practice and that it should be discontinued (63%). Conclusion: Although this study provide evidence on the positive attitude toward the abandonment of FGM among men in Uturu Nigeria, there is a need to educate men about the health consequences of the practice and increase the knowledge on policies regarding FGM in Nigeria.