Impact of the complete ban on female genital cutting on the attitude of educated women from Upper Egypt toward the practice (2013)
This study is a Explanatory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Hassanin Ibrahim MA,and Omar M. Shaaban
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To compare the prevalence of female genital cutting (FGC) before and 5 years after the law completely banned the practice in Egypt,and evaluate the attitude of educated mothers of girls toward FGC in Upper Egypt.
Study Population: All women attending 2 outpatient clinics in Upper Egypt from January 1 through November 30,2011. The women in group 2 had participated in a study carried out by Hassanin et al. in 2006: that is,just before the law against FGC was extended to ban the practice even at medical facilities who were from the same locality and of similar age and education level as the women in group 1.
Findings: The percentage of women who had FGC performed on at least 1 daughter was significantly lower in 2011 than in 2006 (71.6% vs 77.8%,P=0.04). The main reason for performing FGC,given by 42.6% of the participants,was family pressure. The percentage of FGC procedures practiced by physicians was significantly lower in 2011 than it was in 2006 (34.6% vs 39.3%,P=0.04). The decrease in prevalence of FGC after its complete ban was small after 5 years,with little change in attitude among educated families in Upper Egypt. In addition to the current law,a change in attitude will be needed to wipe out this custom.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Africa
Country(ies):Egypt