Female Genital Mutilation: Relationship between Upper Egyptian Females' Knowledge and Attitude

Research Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting is seen as a normal part of female socialization in societies that prac- tice it. According to a representative from the United Nations Population Fund in Cairo, Egypt's rate is so high that it accounts for one-fourth of all cases worldwide. Aim: Assess Relationship between Upper Egyptian Females' Knowledge and attitudes Female Genital Mutilation. 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: Only 25.7% of females had good knowledge regarding FGM/C, while 40.5% and 33.8% had poor and fair levels of knowledge. More than one-third of females (35.5%) had an unfavorable attitude towards (supporting) FGM/C and 44.3 % of them had a favorable attitude towards (refusing) FGM/C while 20. 2% had a neutral attitude. This is a significant association between females' knowledge and their attitude regarding Female Genital Mutilation (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Poor Knowledge and favorable attitude regarding female genital mutilation were more prevalent. A statistically significant association between females' knowledge and their attitude regarding Female Genital Mutila- tion was revealed. Recommendations: Development of an educational programs and brochures for mothers is required to enhance their knowledge and establish negative attitude regarding Female Genital Mutilation.

Research Keywords

Female Genital Mutilation; Knowledge Attitude