ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the correlates of female genital mutilation and its impact on safe motherhood among 500 women aged 15-45years in Southwest Nigeria.

MATERIALS-METHODS

The data were collected using a structured questionnaire for five hundred consented subjects. Vulvar examination was carried out by the investigators to confirm the presence or absence of female genital mutilation using the WHO classification.

RESULTS

The incidence of female genital mutilation is 85%. Out of this, 86.8% had type I mutilation, while 13.2% had type II mutilation. There were no type III or IV mutilation. The lowest trend in female genital mutilation was found in the age of 15-19years. Culture/tradition was the strongest reason for the practice. Female genital mutilation decreased with increasing level of education. Only 11.7% of those with type I mutilation compared to 48.2% of those with type II mutilation had long term complications. The mode of delivery was spontaneous vaginal delivery in majority of them with no major fetomaternal complications.

CONCLUSION

The absence of major obstetric complications may be reflection of milder form of female genital mutilation performed in this environment.