Abstract
BackgroundEastern Ethiopia hosts a substantial number of refugees originated from Somalia. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a common practice in the area, despite the campaigns to eliminate it.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 492 respondents sampled from three refugee camps in Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia, to determine the prevalence and associated factors of FGM. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires.ResultsAlthough the intention of the parents to circumcise their daughters was high (84%), 42.4% of 288 ≤12 girls were reported being undergone FGM. The prevalence increased with age, and about 52% and 95% were circumcised at the age of 7–8 and 11–12 years, respectively. Almost all operations were performed by traditional circumcisers (81%) and birth attendants (18%). Clitoral cutting (64%) and narrowing of the vaginal opening through stitching (36%) were the two common forms of FGM reported by the respondents. Participation of the parents in anti-FGM interventions is statistically associated with lower practice and intention of the procedures.ConclusionFGM is widely practised among the Somali refugee community in Eastern Ethiopia, and there was a considerable support for the continuation of the practice particularly among women. The findings indicate a reported shift of FGM from its severe form to milder clitoral cutting. More men than women positively viewed anti-FGM interventions, and fewer men than women had the intention to let their daughters undergo FGM, indicating the need to involve men in anti-FGM activities.
Highlights
IntroductionFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is a common practice in the area, despite the campaigns to eliminate it
Eastern Ethiopia hosts a substantial number of refugees originated from Somalia
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it into four types [2] namely: Type I – partial or total removal of the clitoris, with or without excision of part or all of prepuce, Type II – partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora, Type III – narrowing the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal by cutting and repositioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora, and with or without removal of the clitoris, and Type IV – all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area
Summary
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a common practice in the area, despite the campaigns to eliminate it. Despite international and national efforts to eliminate the practice, female genital mutilation (FGM), known as female genital cutting, is widely practiced throughout much of Africa mainly in relation to social, cultural and religious reasons [1,2]. It is an old-age practice believed to be existed in the central Africa, Egypt and the Middle East. A less extensive form of infibulation, Type II, is referred to as "intermediate FGM"
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