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

Hosny Abd- Elhakam, Fatima; El-sayed Ibrahim, Rasha; Zakaria Mohamed, Momen; Elzeblawy Hassan, Hanan

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2023.285610

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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator in Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing - Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University

² Assistant Professor of Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing - Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University

³ Lecturer of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University

10.21608/ejhc.2023.285610

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.

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