Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Northern Upper Egypt

Research Abstract

Background: The utilization of the word “mutilation” reinforces the very fact that the practice may be a serious violation of girls' and women's rights. This term also establishes a transparent distinction from male circumcision and emphasizes the gravity and harmfulness of the act. Although FGM is practiced in some communities within the belief that it's a religious requirement, research shows that FGM predates Islam and Christianity. Aim: the study was conducted to assess Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Northern Upper Egypt. Subject & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. The study population consisted of 2837 females in family health centers (FHCs) in different sitting at Beni-Suef. Α Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet was used to collect data. Results: Most of the studied participants were rural residents (70.4%). Non-mutilated females constituted 28.6% of the studied females. About 81.3% and 44.5% of circumcised females are from rural and married females. There was a significant association between the illiteracy of father and mother and rural residence and the FGM by barber and dayah. Conclusion: The prevalence of FGM/C is still high despite the health consequences of the procedure. Recommendations: Design and disseminate brochures work on the health effect of female genital mutilation in health centers and hospitals.

Research Keywords

prevalence, female genital mutilation, Upper Egypt