Call for Change Enhancement Upper Egyptian Females' Knowledge Regarding Effect of Female Genital Mutilation

Hanan Elzeblawy Hassan^1, , Fatima Hosny Abd-ELhakam¹, Rasha El-Syed Ebrahim¹ and Momen Zakria Mohammed²

¹Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University, Egypt

²Lecturer of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University

Cite this paper

Hanan Elzeblawy Hassan, Fatima Hosny Abd-ELhakam, Rasha El-Syed Ebrahim and Momen Zakria Mohammed. Call for Change Enhancement Upper Egyptian Females' Knowledge Regarding Effect of Female Genital Mutilation. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2023; 11(1):5-12. doi: 10.12691/AJPHR-11-1-2

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting has complicated social and cultural foundations that outweigh the requirements and ideas of individuals. FGM/C is seen as a normal part of female socialization in societies that practice it. The reasons for continuing FGM/C in these societies include religious obligations, beauty in the form of smooth and small genitalia, delighting future families and sexual partners, having social significance, and being accepted for marriage. Aim: the study was conducted to assess Upper Egyptian females' knowledge about FGM/C. 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. Α Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet was used to collect data. Results: The mean age of the studied participants was 22.6±5, 77.2% knew that FGM/C has other names, 76.9% of females knew that FGM/C practice is illegal and 79.1% knew that the government makes an effort to reduce FGM/C practice. Most (87.3%) of participant females knew that FGM/C complications and health problems. Concerning immediate health consequences, 59.5% mentioned bleeding, 49.2% and 16.1% mentioned severe pain and psychological trauma, respectively. As regards, long-term health consequences, 48.8% and 51.9% of females mentioned psychiatric consequences and sexual consequences, respectively, while almost all did not know that labor problems are among the long-term consequences of FGM/C. Conclusion: Most females did not know that FGM/C has more than one type and almost all did not know that FGM/C has four types. Most of females knew that FGM/C practice is illegal and knew that the government makes an effort to reduce FGM/C practice. Most of participant females knew that FGM/C causes complications and health problems. Recommendations: Development of an educational programs and brochures for mothers about FGM is required to increase their awareness.

Keywords

enhancement, upper Egyptian females, knowledge, female genital mutilation

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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