Factors influencing the practices of female genital mutilation among girls of Banadir Sub-county, Somalia.

Abstract

Background: The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) has received vivid attention recently at both the national and international levels It is viewed as a practice that robs women of the rights to decide on issues that affect their bodies. Many girls and women undergo this practice which possess a tragedy of consequences on their sexual and reproductive health. The aim of this study was to establish the factors influencing the practice of FGM in the study area.

Methods: The study was conducted in Banadir Sub county. Cross-sectional study design was used for this study. Qualitative data was collected using a researcher administered questionnaire. Simple random sampling method was used to select the participants. Results: The study involved 196 participants. The mean age of the respondents was 13.77 year (SD= 2.917). 70% of respondents had ever experience FGM. Most respondents had minimal knowledge of FGM (58.2%). The most common type of FGM carried out was stitching together of the edge of the vulva (72.4%). Cultural beliefs attached to FGM and age at which FGM is performed were sigficantly associated with the practice of FGM (P-value< 0.05).

Conclusion and recommendations: The practice remains rampant in the study area despite global efforts towards carnage of the practice. This calls for setting up regulations against the practice. In addition, Education programs and empowerment of women and girls should be setup to help people understand that female genital mutilation has adverse reproductive health effects and is a violation of human rights.