title: A multicentre study on knowledge and attitude of nurses in northern Nigeria concerning female genital mutilation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the knowledge and attitude of nurses in northern Nigeria concerning female genital mutilation (FGM).
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study in which 350 nurses working in three tertiary health institutions in northern Nigeria were assessed, using a self-administered questionnaire, with regard to their knowledge of, and attitude to, FGM.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two hundred and sixty-five respondents (76%) were female, 190 (54%) were married. Most (249; 71%) were Muslims, and 228 (65%), of Hausa/Fulani ethnicity. Their ages ranged from 18-60 years with a mean of 29.3 ± 8.9. Among the respondents, 318 (91%) had heard of FGM; of these 127 (40%) knew no particular type of FGM. Only 155 (49%) could identify 'Angurya' and 'Gishiri' cuts as forms of FGM. Two hundred and forty-five (77%), 231 (73%) and 200 (63%), respectively, identified haemorrhage; risk of HIV, hepatitis, and tetanus; and painful sexual intercourse as possible complications of FGM. Thirteen (4%) would perform it and also would have it done on their daughters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The nurses studied had a high level of awareness of FGM and a good general knowledge of complications associated with FGM. However, only half knew what 'Angurya' and 'Gishiri' cuts were. A few would perform FGM.
authors.affiliation: * Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kudu , Jigawa State , Nigeria.
authors.forename: Adewale
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ashimi
authors.forename: Labaran
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Aliyu
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shittu
authors.forename: Taiwo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Amole
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D012737:Sex Factors; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers; D055815:Young Adult