Perceived Impacts of Generational Knowledge on Female Genital Mutilation and Barriers to Awareness Programs in Ibadan, Oyo State

Introduction Nigeria is still one of the countries in the world that practices Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, particularly in Ibadan, with a prevalence rate of 38%. Despite increased awareness and advocacy, FGM persists as a rite of passage, chastity, or cultural custom. In this study, participants revealed generational knowledge gaps of FGM and barriers to the effectiveness of awareness programs. Methods This was a narrative inquiry study conducted between August 2024 and December 2024 among female young adults of reproductive age (18-49 years) living across different local government areas of Ibadan metropolis. A purposive and snowballing sampling technique was adopted, where semi-structured in-depth interviews were used. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, where insights into participants' experiences, perspectives, and attitudes impacted by awareness programs, as well as the interaction of cultural phenomena with public health education, were discussed and analysed through thematic analysis to present findings. Results The participants were able to disclose that awareness programs in schools and community-based initiatives have proven to empower younger generations, but bridging generational knowledge gaps remains a challenge, with barriers like entrenched cultural norms, limited geographical accessibility, insufficient funding, and weak enforcement of anti-FGM laws, and suggestions on how awareness programs against FGM can be more effective. Conclusions Awareness programs on younger generations are effective in tackling the prevalence of FGM, although they still face some entrenched cultural norms. The integration and sustenance of culturally sensitive messages into the education and healthcare sectors, both in rural and urban areas, will be of great help to counter the entrenched cultural norms of people still practicing them. Similarly, the implementation and enforcement of laws and policies by the government, and the proper execution of sanctions against the practice of FGM in society, should be adopted.