Survey Study of Acute and Long Term Effects of Female Genital Mutilation among Women in Sharkia Governorate

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute and long-term effects of female genital mutilation (FGM) among women in Sharkia Governorate. Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in Zagazic University Hospital (ZUH) over a two years period from January 2012 to January 2014. The overall sample consisted of 1500 women. An interview was utilized to collect the necessary data. The questionnaires were administered face to face, in Arabic language. Four open and 25 close-ended questions were used to collect socio-demographic data of the sample: women’s experience about the circumcision, occurrence of health hazards after circumcision, and sexual effects on married women. Intention of all women (circumcised or not) to circumcise their daughters was also documented. Results: This study revealed that the prevalence of FGM in Sharkia Governorate was about 85.5%. The majority of circumcised women were Muslims (94.4%), married (87.9%), housewife (81.4%), illiterate or with low education level (45.5% and 38.5% respectively) and from rural areas (82.2%). The most common types of FGM were type I (49.2%) and type II (50.8%). The most common motive of FGM was the religious cause (46.6%). The majority of circumcised women (59%) denied the occurrence of any acute complication. The reported acute complications in this study were bleeding (19.6%), urine retention (2.3%), infection (6.3%) and difficult walking (12.8%). The majority of circumcised women (86%) denied the occurrence of any problems at labor related to circumcision. The reported problems at labor in this study were narrowing of introitus (8.4%), laceration (0.7%) and bleeding (4.9%). In this study, 74.6% of circumcised women believed that there was no effect of circumcision on their sexual satisfaction and 92.1% of circumcised women believed that there was no effect of circumcision on their husband’s sexual satisfaction. Approximately 16% of circumcised women complained of dyspareunia and believed that it was related to circumcision. Conclusion: Female circumcision is deeply rooted in our community and laws alone will not eradicate it. Moreover, this approach may drive it underground. Increased media coverage, statements by ministers, religious leaders and non-governmental organizations may lead to increased discussion of the topic at a local level. Spreading the message by means of pictures, song and drama as well as economic development will be more effective.