The experiences and perceptions of genitally mutilated females and healthcare practitioners in South Eastern Nigeria
Date
2020
Authors
Obiora, Oluchukwu Loveth
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Abstract
Background: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also referred to as Female Genital Cutting
(FGC) or female circumcision (FC), remains a contributor to the high morbidity and mortality
among females in Africa. Despite concerted efforts to curb it, the practice continues among
many ethnic groups, especially in Africa. Various studies have been conducted, focusing on
this practice. However, in Africa, there is a paucity of literary work on the experiences of
females who underwent FGM/C, and the experiences of healthcare practitioners who care
for these genitally mutilated females is also unknown.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to obtain insight into the Female Genital
Mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C) experiences of females and healthcare practitioners in South
Eastern (SE), Nigeria where the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United
Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria (2016) reported a steady rise in their FGM/C
prevalence; and also to develop a comprehensive, context-specific health education
pamphlet (HEP) for the females based on the identified health information needs. The study
was underpinned by the self-concept theory and the theory of ethical relativism.
Methods: This was a multi-method study which employed a scoping literature review, a
qualitative descriptive method, and a methodological triangulation for the development of a
HEP for the genitally mutilated females. Therefore, the study had three phases. Phase one
was the scoping literature review of FGM/C in Africa, Phase two was a qualitative description
of the FGM/C experiences of genitally mutilated females, mothers of genitally mutilated girls
and the healthcare practitioners in SE Nigeria, while Phase three was the development of a
health education pamphlet (HEP) for use by the genitally mutilated females.
Findings: The first phase of the study revealed FGM/C was still being practiced widely in
Africa despite interventions such as anti-FGM/C laws and campaigns. Evidence found has
also revealed there might have been an increase in “early-age” (0 to 10 years) FGM/C in some
communities, and that the FGM/C studies done between 1 January 2007 and 31 December
2016 were mostly quantitative studies focused on the prevalence, attitude, perpetrators and
health consequences of FGM/C. Studies investigating the experiences of all the role players
involved in this practice and how to prevent it were absent. Understanding these phenomena
could guide efforts to curb this harmful practice. In the second phase of the study, the
participants equated FGM/C to male circumcision and noted that culture was mostly
responsible for the continuation of the practice over the years. Regardless of the pain
associated with this practice, some of the participants were forcefully circumcised to ensure
adherence to their culture. Among the female participants, feelings of uncertainty, fear, and helplessness were experienced. Moreover, healthcare practitioners reported feelings of not
being adequately equipped with the advanced skills required in the care of genitally mutilated
females, especially during childbirth. Also reported were cases of child mortality and other
healthcare challenges owing to FGM/C. In the third phase, three synthesized findings were
generated from the methodological triangulation of conclusions from Phases one and two:
“FGM/C: past and present situations,” “factors that sustained FGM/C” and “health information
needs.” In response to the health information needs identified, a health education pamphlet
(HEP) was developed to improve self-care among the females.
Conclusion: This study provided evidence that FGM/C is ongoing in Africa. Although it is
illegal in many countries, females and healthcare practitioners still support this procedure as
it is seen as a part of the culture. Some women were forcefully circumcised. Feelings of
uncertainty, fear and helplessness were reported among the females. Cases of child
mortality and other healthcare challenges due to FGM/C were also experienced. In response
to the information needs that emerged from the scoping review and the qualitative
investigation, a health education pamphlet was developed to inform the genitally mutilated
females on what FGM/C was all about, self-care after FGM/C, and what to do when under
pressure to circumcise their daughters
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, 2020