Knowledge and Attitude on Obstetric Effects of Female Genital Mutilation among Maasai Women in Maternity Ward at Loitokitok Sub-County Hospital, Kenya.

Keddy Wanjiru Muchene,Irene Gacheri Mageto,Joyce Jebet Cheptum

doi:10.1155/2018/8418234

Keddy Wanjiru Muchene, Irene Gacheri Mageto + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8418234

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Abstract

Background Female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the most harmful traditions still practiced in many parts of the developing world, including Kenya. The practice leads to permanent and irreversible health damages; however, knowledge and attitude of women towards its obstetric effects is scarce. Aim The objective of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude of women towards obstetric effects of FGM among Maasai women. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Loitokitok Sub-County Hospital among 64 Maasai women who had undergone FGM. Systematic sampling was employed to identify the respondents. Data were collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire and analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 based on frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were coded and categorized and thematic analysis was done. Results Half of the women were knowledgeable on obstetric effects of FGM. Majority of them, 81% (n=52), sustained perineal tears during childbirth while 53% (n=34) had postpartum hemorrhage. Majority of the respondents, 81% (n=51), had negative attitude towards FGM and 87% (n=31) would not encourage their daughters to be circumcised. Most of them, 64% (n=23), disagreed that circumcision made one a respectable woman. Conclusion Obstetric effects of FGM were fairly known and there was negative attitude towards FGM practice.

Highlights

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the most harmful traditions still practiced in many parts of the developing world, including Kenya. e practice leads to permanent and irreversible health damages; knowledge and attitude of women towards its obstetric effects is scarce
A total of 64 respondents admitted to maternity ward were interviewed on their knowledge of obstetric effects of FGM and their attitude towards the practice
A factor contributing to teenage pregnancy is early marriage. e findings of the study indicated that half of the respondents were aged between 14 and 20 years and most of them were already married. ese findings agree with those of the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) which indicated a high prevalence of FGM among teenage mothers in the Maasai community [6]. is practice affects both physical maturity and change in the girls’ social status. e girl is ready for marriage and child bearing regardless of the tender age. e relationship between FGM and early marriage places the young women at a greater risk of obstetric complications such as obstructed labor

Summary

Introduction

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the most harmful traditions still practiced in many parts of the developing world, including Kenya. e practice leads to permanent and irreversible health damages; knowledge and attitude of women towards its obstetric effects is scarce. E practice leads to permanent and irreversible health damages; knowledge and attitude of women towards its obstetric effects is scarce. Aim. e objective of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude of women towards obstetric effects of FGM among Maasai women. More than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM/C cut in the 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East where high rates of the practice are reported [4]. Since certain minority groups and immigrant communities continue the practice in other countries as well, including in Europe and North America, the total number of girls and women worldwide who have undergone FGM/C is likely to be slightly higher [1].

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