Relationship between Females' Knowledge and Attitude and Intention of Female Genital Mutilation

Research Abstract

Abstract Background: The terms female genital cutting (FGC) and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) are often used among practicing communities and individuals. These concepts emphasize the significance of adopting nonjudgmental vocabulary when working with practitioners. When discussing the matter in practice communities, terms like excision or genital cutting are also acceptable. Aim: The present study was carried find to estimate relationship between level of knowledge, attitude and intentions of females toward the practice of FGM. Subject & Methods: Descriptive Cross-sectional study carried out in family health centers (FHCs) in different sitting at Beni-Suef Governorate on a convenient sample. Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet which includes three sections: (I): Females' Knowledge of females regarding FGM/C, (II): Attitudes of females regarding FGM/C. (III): Intention to practice FGM/C. Results: About 76.9% of females know that FGM/C practice is illegal and 61.7% did not know that there is a punishment for parents seeking FGM/C, and 70.4% did not know that prison is the type of punishment for parents in Egyptian law. Only 25.7% of females had good knowledge regarding FGM/C, 35.5% had an unfavorable attitude towards. About 79.4% of females who experienced FGM/C had the intention to mutilate their daughters in the future. Almost all females with unfavorable attitudes towards FGM/C (78.7%) had the intention to practice FGM/C in the future, followed by 17.6% of females with neutral attitudes and only 3.7% of females with a favorable attitude. Conclusion: The highest proportion of females did not know that there is a punishment for parents seeking FGM/C, and most of them did not know that prison is the type of punishment for parents in Egyptian law and did not know that there is a punishment for physicians performing FGM/C in Egyptian law as well. The proportion of females who had the intention to practice FGM/C increased with the decrease in the level of knowledge. Recommendations: Enhancement of females' knowledge and negative attitude toward Female Genital Mutilation should be established by educational programs.

Research Keywords

relationship, knowledge, attitude, intention, female genital mutilation