Health workers' perception and practice of female genital mutilation in a rural community in Edo State, Nigeria.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) and cutting is a subject of global interest, with many countries of the world still practising it despite efforts by the WHO and other agencies to discourage the practice. In Edo State, the practice of FGM is illegal. Objective: To determine the perception and practice of FGM among health care professionals (HCPs) in public health institutions in Esan Central Local Government Area, where FGM is illegal. Methods: A sample of 90 HCPs in Esan Central Local Government Area, completed the pretested semi structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and a chi square test was used to test for association between variables. Results: The average age of respondents was 30.2 years. Most respondents are of Esan (96.7%). Most respondents (86.7%) identified at all forms of FGM/C, and no respondent was unable to identify at least one form. The harmful effects of FGM/C identified by most respondents include infections, hemorrhage and difficult labor/childbirth. Eighteen (20%) of respondents believed FGM/C has no adverse health effects. Respondents reported culture as the major reason for the performance of FGM/C and 20% of respondents would encourage the continuation of the practice. Eleven respondents (12.2%) admitted having carried out the procedure in the past and twenty-eight respondents (31.1%) supported its medicalisation as a way of making it safer, while sixteen (17.8%) respondents would have their daughters circumcised. Conclusion: The respondents in this study displayed good knowledge of the problem of FGM/C and the associated adverse health effects. However, some still support its continuation and even medicalisation. Health education campaigns in the area have been proven to be every effective but; a lot still needs to be done to ensure that this dark practice is completely eradicated.