Knowledge and Attitude on Obstetric Effects of Female Genital Mutilation among Maasai Women in Maternity Ward at Loitokitok Sub-County Hospital,Kenya (2018)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding I,II FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Muchene,K. W.,Mageto,I. G.,& Cheptum,J. J.
FGM/C Type(s): I,II
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude of women towards obstetric effects of FGM among Maasai women.
Study Population: Maasai women
Findings: Half of the women were aware of FGM’s obstetric implications. The majority,81 percent (n =52),experienced perineal tears during labor,whereas 53 percent (n =34) experienced postpartum hemorrhage. Most respondents,81 percent (n = 51),were opposed to FGM,and 87 percent (n = 31) would not encourage their daughters to undergo circumcision. The majority,64 percent (n = 23),did not believe that circumcision made a lady respectable. The obstetric repercussions of female genital mutilation were well-known,and the practice of FGM was viewed negatively. Moreover,even though FGM is a rite of passage in Maasai culture,the majority of respondents held a negative view of the practice. There is a need for health care providers to educate the population about the obstetric repercussions of FGM via health education workshops. Elders who are the community’s decision-makers must be empowered via education to adopt nonharmful cultural practices.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya