Wrong Perceptions Towards Health Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation and Associated Factors Among Women in Adama District, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: Wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation among women can contribute to the continuation of the practice of female genital mutilation. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women at Adama District. <i>Objective</i>: To determine the prevalence of wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women in Adama district, Oromia, Ethiopia from Oct 15-20, 2019. <i>Method</i>: Community based cross sectional study design was used. A total of 507 women were selected using systematic sampling method from randomly selected six kebeles in Adama District. Data were collected using pretested semi structured interviewer administered quantitative questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary Logistic Regression and Multiple Logistic Regression were used to find the association between wrong perception and associated factors. <i>Result</i>: 158 (31.2)% (95% CI: 27, 35.5) of women had wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation. Rural residence (AOR, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.42, 5.04), not having any maternal care service (AOR, 2.56, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.68), no mass media exposure (AOR, 2.68, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.94) and age at circumcision>11 years (AOR, 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.78) were statistically significant variables associated with wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilations (p<0.05). <i>Conclusion and recommendation</i>: 31.2% of women had wrong perceptions. Women at Rural residence, having no mass media exposure, having no maternal care service and circumcised at<10 years had wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilations. Increased maternal care service and health education were recommended to reduce women’s wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilation.