Relationship between Females’ Intention of Mutilating Their Daughters and Demographic Characteristics

Abstract

Background: Women’s intention and attitudes toward ending Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting were found to be highly correlated with social class, degree of education, and availability to knowledge. Aim: The present study was carried out to assess Relationship between Females’ Intention of Mutilating Their Daughters and Demographic Characteristics. Subject & Methods: A Descriptive Cross-sectional in family health centers (FHCs at Beni-Suef Governorate. А Structured Interviewing questionnaire sheet which includes Socio-demographic data, Intention to practice Female Genital Mutilation was used to collect data. Results: About 28.6% of females who had mutilated their daughters were planning to mutilate their other daughters in the future. About 45.2% aged 30 to less than 45 intend to mutilate their daughter. The highest proportion of females who intended to practice FGM/C was among those living in rural areas (59.1%), Intention to practice FGM/C decreased with the increase in the level of education (0.7% among basic (primary, preparatory), 2.9% among secondary educated females, and 96.4% among females with higher education). Conclusion: There is an association between participants’ intention of mutilating their daughters and age, residence, marital status, occupation & level of education. The younger the age, rural residences, marriage, low educational level and employed of the female, the higher the percent of females who intended to practice FGM/C. Recommendations: Increase awareness about law against all parties of Female Genital Mutilation.