Factors Influencing the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Ueken Community, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the factors influencing the continuous practice of female genital mutilation, and to create awareness of health risk factors (complications) and its prevention in Ueken Community in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. Four (4) research questions and one (1) hypothesis were formulated. Copious literature was reviewed which x-rayed the opinion of several authors on the topic. The target population was 150 females. A purposive non-probability sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 100 female adolescents. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The questionnaire consisted of sections “A” demographic data of respondents and “B” of multiple questions on variables of the study. Data were presented and analyzed using frequency tables and figures. Finding from the research question revealed that the majority of the females have heard about female genital mutilation, that circumcised girls may be forced with psychological and health risks after female genital mutilation. Chi-square (X2) statistical tool was used to test the null hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. The X2 calculated of 1.164 was lesser than the X2 table of 3.84. Following the statistical rule, the null hypothesis was accepted thus; there is no significant relationship between the factors influencing the continuous practice of female genital mutilation in Ueken community in Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State. Based on the findings and results from the study, the implications for nursing were spelt out and recommendations were made.