Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Female Genital Mutilation Among Mothers and Traditional Birth Attendants in Rural Communities of Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) persists in Nigeria despite legal prohibition under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, with rural Anambra State identified as a high-prevalence area where Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are primary practitioners. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice of FGM among 390 mothers and 60 TBAs in rural communities of Ayamelum, Orumba North, and Dunukofia LGAs. Only 40.2% had good knowledge, with mothers scoring significantly higher than TBAs at 42.3% versus 26.7%. Attitudes were largely neutral at 45.1%, with only 29.8% supporting abandonment. Prevalence among daughters was 46.9%, with 68.3% cut before age one and 72.1% performed by TBAs. FGM persists due to knowledge deficits, cultural beliefs about chastity, and economic incentives for TBAs.