ABSTRACT

Poor general women's health outcomes have been associated with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), hence, this study examined the level of knowledge of the risks associated with FGM among women in Izzi LGA, Ebonyi State, and a cross-sectional descriptive survey design was utilized. A sample size of 624 respondents was drawn through multi-stage sampling. A mixed method of data collection (QUAN + quali) involving a semi-structured questionnaire and a Key Informant Interview (KII) was employed. Out of 624 respondents that were initially sampled, 584 were valid and analyzed with Chi-square and logistic regression as statistical methods for that analysis. The study revealed a poor level of knowledge about the risks of FGM among the women under study. The results also revealed age and religion as the factors that determine the level of knowledge the women had about the risks of FGM. The study, therefore, concludes that the low level of knowledge contributed to the high prevalence rate of FGM in Ebonyi State and recommends the establishment/implementation of the law against FGM, sensitization at all levels, and provision of capital punishment against those who may persist for the eradication of FGM in Nigeria.