practice of female genital mutilation(ABSTRACT)

ABSTRACT This study was undertaken to assess the attitude, knowledge and practice of female genital mutilation among parents attending Abakpa health centre Enugu. A descriptive study was conducted using the questionnaire as the data collection instrument, which was shared among the 60 respondents chosen for the study. Data analysis was systematically done and presented in tables and figures. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents (55.8%) knew the exact meaning of female genital mutilation and 65% knew of its effect and legal implications. The findings also show that the respondents 28.3% support the idea of female genital mutilation with 65% affirming that it is still practiced in their communities. The findings also revealed that culture and ignorance were the major factors influencing the practice of female genital mutilation. The researcher therefore recommends that adequate awareness of the numerous affects and legal implication of FGM should be taken to the grass root or can be individualized among older people who hold tenaciously to their culture and pass it on to the young ignorant mothers.