Correlates of intention to discontinue female genital mutilation in Osun State, Nigeria: Implication for women well‐being

摘要

Abstract Objective This study investigated the level of knowledge, perception, and subjective norm as correlates for risk reduction in female genital mutilation (FGM) in Osun State, Nigeria. Design and Measurement Data were collected from 376 respondents who were conveniently selected from 4 wards in Ede South LGA with structured questionnaire (75% reliability) and focus group discussion (FGD) guide. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools and hypotheses set at p ?≤?0.05. Results Participants mean age was 38.5?±?1.29, 79.3% were women, 82.9% were Muslims, and only 34.6% had up to secondary education. Over 38% had at least one of their daughters circumcised, and 54.8% were not aware of the health risks associated with FGM. Majority knew that FGM is prohibited in Nigeria yet 31.9% supported the practice. There were significant correlations (at p ??0.05) between knowledge level ( R ?=?0.348), perception ( R ?=?0.432), subjective norm ( R? =??0.475), and intention to discontinue FGM. However, these factors are still relatively low. Also, FGDs showed that majority of the respondents were not aware of any health risks associated with FGM but only supported the discontinuation because of public perception in Nigeria. Conclusion The study recommended aggressive public health education drive and awareness campaign focusing on the negative health implications of FGM.