Female Genital Mutilation: Impact on Knowledge, Attitude, Sexual Score Domains and Intention of Females in Northern Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting is extensively done in societies where it is believed to promote marriageability. As a result, the practice of FGM/C will continue because parents believe it will provide a better future for their daughters, and some girls may even desire to be mutilated to find a husband. Aim: The aim of this study was Estimate effect of FGM on Females' knowledge, Attitude, Sexual Score Domains, and Intention in Northern Upper Egypt. Subject & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. The study population consisted of 2837 females in family health centers (FHCs) in different sitting at Beni-Suef. Tool: Α Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet was used to collect data related females' knowledge, attitude, and intention. Female Sexual Function Index (FSDI) to assess female sexual function. Results: The prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C) among total participants at Beni-Suef is 71.4%. Good knowledge score (27%) was more prevalent among non-mutilated females. Unfavorable and neutral attitude score (49.3%) was more prevalent among females with FGM. that there was a significantly higher Desire domain (5.8±1.8), Arousal domain (13.7±2.9), Lubrication domain (16±3.4), Orgasm domain (11.7±2.6), Satisfaction domain (13.3±2.4), and Total score among not circumcised married participants than circumcised ones but the Pain domain didn't differ significantly between circumcised (9.7±3.3), and not circumcised (9.3±2.2). About 79.4% of females who experienced FGM/C had the intention to mutilate their daughters in the future. Conclusion: Good knowledge score was more prevalent among non-mutilated females. There was a significant relationship between FGM and knowledge, attitude, Sexual Score Domains, and intention to mutilate their daughters in the future (p-value <0.001).

Relationship between Socio Demographic Data and Female Genital Mutilation

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund released the first joint statement directly addressing FGM/C in 1997 [9]. Since then, the international response has picked up speed [10][11][12][13][14].…”

Prevalence and Determinants of Female Genital Mutilation at Beni-Suef

“…the prepuce and is termed clitoridectomy. Type I is known as "Sunna Circumcision"; a spiritual term linking the practice to the commands of the Prophet of Islam or "Khifad" the Arabic synonym of "reduction"; a term claiming that the Prophet of Islam endorsed partial instead of complete excision of the external genitalia [14,15]. In Egypt, types I and II also are called "Tahara"; the Arabic synonym of "purification" which points to the hygienic drive of the practice [16][17].…”