Factors Promoting the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation among Women Seeking Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Services at El-Wak Sub-County Hospital in Mandera County

Abstract

The study sought to examine factors promoting the practice of female genital mutilation among women seeking reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health services at El-Wak Sub County Hospital in Mandera County. The study was guided by four specific objectives: To determine factors promoting the practice of FGM among women of reproductive age seeking RMNCH services in El-Wak Sub-County Hospital; to determine the proportion of women of reproductive age with FGM seeking RMNCH services in El-Wak Sub-County Hospital; to determine demographic factors promoting the practice of FGM among women of reproductive age seeking RMNCH services in El-Wak Sub-County Hospital and to determine sociocultural factors promoting the practice of FGM among women of reproductive age seeking RMNCH services in El-Wak Sub-County Hospital. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The study adopted the purposive sampling techniques to identify the respondents for the study. The researcher adopted quantitative approaches to data collection which included questionnaires. The study revealed that 70 percent of all the female respondents involved in the data collection process through the survey had undergone FGM. In the sample of those who had previously undergone the cut, 57.2 percent had or were likely to circumcise(d) their daughters whereas 42.8 percent had not or were not going to circumcise their daughters. While the practice still seems prevalent, a comparison of the shift from the 70 percent to 57.2 percent is a welcomed change. The study shows that most respondents had indeed caused or will cause their daughters to undergo FGM and that the reason behind it was attributed to traditional or cultural beliefs. These include; that circumcised women were less promiscuous compared to uncircumcised women. The average age at which FGM was performed was found to be between the ages of 5-12 years indicating that prevalence of FGM was within the minor age. The study found that upholding cultural traditions as the most prominent reason for practicing FGM as indicated by 42.9 percent and acceptance as a woman in the community with 35.7 percent. The study recommends for emphasis on awareness on the dangers associated with FGM by empowering community groups within the community itself in the fight against the practice; creating more awareness on the dangers associated with FGM should be integrated into the education of the girl child; ensuring those within the medical field are well sensitized on how to handle those who have undergone FGM and their role in the practice specified and finally, there is need for intensive education, training and awareness of the law concerning FGM and which channels can be legally utilized to protect the vulnerable group of 5-12 year-old girls who undergo the act without their consent.