ASSESSMENT OF ANTI-FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION PROGRAM IN GARISSA COUNTY,KENYA (2021)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Derow,Y.H
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The main aim of this study was to investigate the success of anti-female genital mutilation programs in Garissa County.The study addresses the following specific objectives;
1. To determine the level of knowledge of adolescents/youth of Garissa county
towards the anti-female genital mutilation law.To find out the attitude of residents of Garissa county towards the anti-female
genital mutilation law.
3. To determine factors influencing the implementation of the anti-female genital
mutilation law in Garissa county.
4. To determine the outcomes of anti-female genital mutilation program in
Garissa County
Study Population: This study’s population was residents of Garissa county. It targeted three groups of the population: women of childbearing age,adolescent between 12 and 18 years and the 18 elderly above 60 years of age living in Garissa sub-county. Data from a similar study previously conducted in the area will form the baseline for comparison with our results.
Findings: Of the 108 participants,53.7% were female. The median age of participants was 23 years (Interquartile range [IQR] 15-40). The prevalence of FGM was 62% with the mean age of circumcision being 8.3 years (SD 2.7 years). There was a statistically significant association between practicing Islam and FGM (p=0.001). There was an improvement on the level of awareness of the antiFGM law among youth in Garissa at 84%. Two thirds of participants did not support FGM. Mothers were the main influencers and decision makers on having FGM practiced. Excision was the main type of FGM practiced with traditional circumcizers being the preferred circumcizers followed by trained nurses and midwives. Introduction of the antiFGM law and advocacy by NGOs focused on combating FGM has led to a reduction in the prevalence of FGM and a reduction in the support of the act. There is an increase in the medicalization of FGM in Garissa with evidence of the practice going underground. This study recommends NGOs to have a clearer focus on the method chosen in advocating for abandonment of FGM.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya