Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation at Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt

Research Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting are procedures in which young girls' and women's external genital organs are manipulated, altered, or removed. Female genital mutilation is considered to be a kind of gender discrimination against women and girls. Aim: The present study was carried find out about FGM in Beni-Suef Governorate. Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Setting: Family Health Centers (FHCs) in different Governorates at Beni-Suef. Sample: Convenient sample. Tools: pre-designed structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire is divided into six sections: (I): Socio-demographic and personal data. (II): Knowledge of females regarding FGM/C. (III): Attitudes of females regarding FGM/C. (IV): Intention to practice FGM/C. (V): Reasons for practicing FGM/C and reasons for refusing FGM. (VI): Female Sexual Function Index (FSDI). Results: The prevalence of FGM/C was 71.4%. Only 25.7% of females had good knowledge about FGM/C; 35.5% had an unfavorable attitude towards supporting FGM/C. About 29.7% of participants in the current study are suffering from complications after FGM. There was a significantly higher Desire, Arousal, Lubrication, orgasm, Satisfaction domain, and Total score among not circumcised married participants than circumcised ones. However, the Pain domain didn't differ significantly between circumcised and not circumcised. Conclusion: the prevalence of FGM/C is still higher despite the health consequences of the procedure. There was a significant association between rural residence, lower mother and father education, marriage, and the presence of circumcision. Recommendation: Continuous educational programs for mothers and health care providers about FGM are required to increase their awareness.

Research Keywords

Female genital mutilation, prevalence, Beni-Suef