AUCTORES
Globalize your Research
Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2690-8808/203
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University Owerri.
*Corresponding Author: Nwanyaka Henry Ifeanyi, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University Owerri.
Citation: Nwanyaka H. Ifeanyi and Okemma E. Uwaezu (2024), Female genital mutilation's effects on women's physical, mental, and social health, J, Clinical Case Reports and Studies, 5(5); DOI:10.31579/2690-8808/203
Copyright: ©, 2024, Nwanyaka Henry Ifeanyi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received: 06 June 2024 | Accepted: 17 June 2024 | Published: 26 June 2024
Keywords: physical, psychological, social health genital mutilation
The non-medical cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia is known as female genital mutilation, or FGM. Physical health issues such scarring or keloids formation, infertility, infections, and irregular menstruation are reported to result from it. In addition, it causes perineal tears, protracted labor, and postpartum hemorrhage, among other difficulties during labor and delivery. Depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder are possible psychological outcomes. Sexual dysfunction, including arousal, orgasm, lubrication, and satisfaction, can lead to a loss of connection for sufferers and, indirectly, for significant others. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact of female genital mutilation on the body, society, and mind. There were 200 FGM and 200 non-genital multination participants in this study. The impacts of female genital mutilation (FGM) on the victims' social, psychological, and physical well-being were assessed. The family of FGM group (N = 129) had a monthly family income of 50000 Naira or less, compared to 46 families (23%) earning 50000-100000 and 25 families (12.9%) having an income above 100000 naira. With regard to employment, 63 fathers (31.5%) described themselves as Traders. 55 (27.5%) of them were farmers, 18 (26.6%) of them were skilled workers, Civil Servants 42 (21%), and Self-employed 32 (16%). 8 (4%) fathers were retired. There are no differences between this group and the other. The findings showed that female with genital mutilation, had greater rates of somatic disturbance, anxiety disorder, and depression than those without female without genital multilation. Therefore, this study offers additional proof to medical professionals so they may start providing FGM patients with high-quality care right away.
Female genital mutilation (FGM), comprises none medical removal of some parts or the complete external female genitalia. This simply means that it is a traditional practice in which the female genital organs are partly or completely removed for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons (Berg and Dennison). It is practiced in many Africa and in some countries in the Middle East and Asia. However, there is limited data, it is speculated that female circumcision is practiced by immigrant communities in a number of countries. It is forbidden by law in various African and Western countries [1].
The current WHO classification describes four types of female circumcision: Type I known as clitoridectomy, consist of partial or complete removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce. Type II also refers to as excision, comprises partial or complete removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora. Type III known as infibulation, involves narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora, with or without excision of the clitoris. Type IV, other, involves all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for instance: pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization. There is differences in prevalence, reflecting ethnicity, tradition and sociodemographic factors [2,3]
This practice of female circumcision is based on social conventions with regards to psycho-sexual and social reasons including control of women’s sexuality and family honor which is implemented by the community [4]. This is known to result to physical health problems such as scaring or formation of keloids, infertility, infections as well as menstrual abnormalities. It equally causes complications during labor and delivery, which involves a long period of labor, perineal tears and hemorrhage after delivery [5]. Psychological disorders are major effects such as depression, low self-esteem and indeed post-traumatic stress syndrome. Social health problems to victims of FGM and indirectly to others may include lack of intimacy related to sexual disorders like arousal, orgasm, lubrication and satisfaction [6,7] The practice of FGM is common in some African countries. The effects of this FGM have global impacts. Some frantic efforts are being made to try and reduce the suffering of the victims as well as trying to stop the practice by educating communities. This has been done through their leaders, men involvement and coming up with strategies and policies that protect the rights of women against such gender based violence [8,9]
Female genital mutilation is recognized as a harmful practice which abrogates human rights. It is linked to various health problems such as intensive pain, bleeding, shock, infections, and difficulty in passing urine and faeces. Caesarean section, blood loss, and increased perinatal mortality are associated birth risks. This in other words results in psychological, social and physical consequences [10,11].
Indeed, some works have been carried out on female circumcision but still there is literature gap on the global physical, social and psychological effects of Female genital mutilation. The effects of Female genital mutilation need to be studied particularly on the victims as the study group and the survivors as the control group. Such studies may provide some significant evidence to healthcare providers to effectively commence high standard medical care to both the victims and the survivors of female genital mutilation.
Study area
The study area was in south East Nigeria
Population
The estimated population is 25.8 million and the population density varies from 230-1,400 people per square kilometer.
Study design
Descriptive and analytical study designs were used in this study. This included and knowledge, attitude and perception studies. Descriptive design was used to investigate the distribution of FGM. Women who had female genital mutilation aged between 12 and 14 were involved and non FGM served as control
Method of data collection
Research instrument for data collection were questionnaires, Personal Interview and Telephonic Surveys
Questionnaires
Well structured questionnaires will be used to obtain data from respondents; the questionnaires were arranged in the following order:
Questionnaire 1
This was used to elicit information from the general populace. It will be organized into the following sections:
Section A: Demographic data
Section B: Knowledge of female genital mutilation
Section C: Social impact of female genital mutilation
Section D: Physical impact of female genital mutilation
Section E: Physiological impact of female genital mutilation
Validity of research instrument
The questionnaires was well structured according to the two categories of respondents: namely; those with FGN and those without FGN
Reliability of research instrument
In order to make the research instruments reliable, pilot or test studies was carried out using five copies of each of the two different categories of questionnaires which were administered to the respective groups of respondents. After an interval of two weeks, another set of five copies of the same instruments was administered on different sets of respondents. At the end of these preliminary studies, the questionnaires were then fine tuned and structured to attain the highest reliability standard.
Ethical consideration
Letters of approval/permission to administer questionnaires on respondents were presented to management of health institutions for approval before they were administered to respondents. Also, the consent of those with FGM were sought for before they were presented with questionnaires. Similar consent were sought from those without FGM.
Statistical analysis
Generated data will be put into Tables and Charts. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, SPSS version 11.0 for Windows. Descriptive statistics was used to present the characteristics of the sample.
Table 1. Comparison of FGM and non FGM with respect to demographic variables
Table 2: Psychological disorders in FGM and Non FGM
| Groups | Depression | Self esteem |
| FGM | 34.10±3.8 | 24.23±4.21 |
| Non FGM | 11.53±2.1 | 8.41±2.80 |
Table 3: Sociological disorders in FGM and Non FGM
| Groups | Scars | Pains |
| FGM | 14.26±3.7 | 11.53 ±4.1 |
| Non FGM | 2.11±3.1 | 3.0±2.6 |
Table 4: Physical impact in FGM and Non FGM
According to the study's findings, female genital mutilation is probably going to lead to a range of emotional problems, which could lead to psychological diseases. It was discovered that the high rate of depression was higher than average. These results are consistent with earlier research on abused and traumatized youngsters. The study's findings also shown that self-esteem and depressive symptoms together formed an index with statistical significance that could be used to distinguish between the two groups [12,13]
The findings suggest that cultural embedding does not prevent the onset of depression, even though female genital mutilation is a part of the individuals' ethnic heritage [14]. While the study's findings lend credence to the idea that female genital mutilation has a significant detrimental effect on mental health that extends beyond physical issues, care should be taken when interpreting the findings [15,16]
Furthermore, there is a growing movement against female genital mutilation in public spaces like schools where people are taught about its harmful effects [17,18]. Because of this, the way the trauma is assimilated may alter depending on whether or not circumcision is more common. Of course, there are a plethora of additional variables that could also have a significant impact on the mental health outcome, including coping mechanisms, past traumatic experiences, information before to circumcision, and sexual encounters [19,20].
However, this study offers yet another compelling reason in favor of disseminating culturally grounded knowledge that may aid in the elimination of female genital mutilation. In keeping with psychology's growing contribution to the documentation of violations of human rights, it is critical to support women experiencing mental distress and to carry out additional study [21]. Researchers and doctors should focus more on the urgent needs of FGM girls and women, as demonstrated by the startlingly high prevalence of psychological disorders among this population of FGM girls.
Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.
Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.
Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.
Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.
We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.
The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.
Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.
Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.
Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.
Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.
Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.
This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.
Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.
As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.
Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.
International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.
Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.
Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.
I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!
"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".
I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.
We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.
I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.
I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.
I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.
Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.
“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.
Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.
The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.
