Female genital mutilation in northern upper Egypt: prospects reasons for performing and refusin

Abstract

Background: Female Genital Mutilation was reported during a papyrus from 163BC. Within the third century, Soranos who are taken into account as the father of obstetrics and gynecology described the procedure of FGM. Herodotus also pronounced the excision of female external genitalia in Egypt dated back to the primary century, Rome, Pre-Islamic Arabia, and therefore the Tsarist Russian Federation. Aim: The study was conducted to assess prospects reasons for performing and refusing female genital mutilation in Northern Upper Egypt. Subject & methods: A Descriptive Cross-sectional study was used to achieve the aim of the current study. The study was conducted in family health centers (FHCs) in different sitting at Beni-Suef Governorate. Convenient sample was used. A pre-designed structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire is divided into two sections: (1) socio-demographic and personal characteristics; (2) Reasons for practicing FGM/C and reasons for refusing FGM. Results: The main reasons for performing FGM/C as mentioned; were traditions and culture, religious requirements, and to decrease the sexual desire of females (77.4%, 21.7 %, and 14.4%), respectively. The main reasons for refusing FGM/C were complications, not necessary, and problems between wife and husband (47.3%, 10.3%, and 9.4%), respectively. The main sources information about FGM/C were personal experience & friends or neighbors (71.3% & 36.2%), respectively. Conclusion: Traditions and culture was the main reason for performing FGM/C, followed by religious requirements, and to decrease the sexual desire of females. Health consequences of FGM/C were the main reason for refusing the procedure, followed by females who stated that FGM/C is not necessary, and problems caused between wife and husband related to FGM. Recommendations: Increase awareness about FGM/C law against all parties, whether parents seeking to perform FGM/C or health care workers or other persons participating in performing FGM/C.