Epidemiological and gynecological correlates with female genital mutilation among Beni-Suef University students; cross sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of FGM/C among university students in Beni-Suef, Egypt and detect the possible socio-demographic and gynaecological associations. Study design A cross-sectional study had been conducted on 1723 females attending all faculties of Beni-Suef University (n = 28) and representing all academic years were selected using a multi-stage random sampling to participate in this study. By the beginning of the second term of the academic year 2016/2017, students were interviewed using a questionnaire included questions about the socio-demographic charcteristics, gynecological history, exposure to FGM/C and its justifications, sources of knowledge about FGM/C, gynecological manifestations associated with menstrual flow during the past 12 months and the pain relief methods they used during the same period. Results Slightly less than half of our students (47.3%) were circumcised. Students residing in rural areas and those with illiterate parents were more likely to experience FGM/C (p Conclusions FGM/C is less prevalent among the university girls in Beni-Suef. Residential, parental level of education, religious and traditional issues are among the most potential risk factors for FGM/C.