Community Awareness and Cultural Beliefs on Female Genital Mutilation in Ibadan, Oyo State: Insights from a Localized Intervention

Background: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a significant public healthissue in Nigeria, particularly in Ibadan, with a prevalence rate of 38%. Despiteincreased awareness and advocacy, FGM persists as a rite of passage, chastity,or cultural custom.Objective: To investigate the impact of community awareness programs andcultural beliefs regarding FGM in Ibadan Oyo State, examining traditionalmisconceptions, cultural justifications, and the impact of awareness programs. Methods: This is a qualitative study among female young adults of reproductiveage (18-49 years), who participated in semistructured in-depth interviews usinga narrative qualitative research approach. Insights into participants' experiences,perspectives, and attitudes impacted by awareness programs, as well as theinteraction of cultural phenomena with public health education were revealedthrough thematic analysis of the data. Results: Participants perceived that awareness programs and education havereduced FGM prevalence by providing accurate information, challengingmisconceptions, and offering alternatives. Schools and community-basedinitiatives empower younger generations, but bridging generational knowledgegaps remains a challenge. Conclusion: Eliminating FGM in Ibadan requires not only disseminatinginformation but also sustaining culturally respectful, context-specific advocacy. Long-term progress lies in embedding anti-FGM education in everyday institutionsand empowering future generations to advocate for change. Keywords: Female genital mutilation, Young women, Prevalence, Qualitative,Reproductive effects, Awareness