Factors Influencing the Practices of Female Genital Mutilation in Chesosurwo Village, Kono Parish, Binyinyi Sub-county, Kween District - Uganda.

Abstract

Introduction: Female genital mutilation is defined by the WHO as all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia (that is; labia majora, labia minora and the clitoris) or other injury inflicted to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons (WHO, 2013).Female Genital Mutilation is a traumatic experience (UNICEF, 2005) which is associated with both immediate and long term complications such as severe pain, shock, bleeding, infections, inability to pass urine, genital wounds while long-term effects may include frequent urinary tract infections; cysts; infertility; an increased risks of obstructed labour, newborn deaths, obstetric fistula, the need for cesarean section and other surgeries.

Main objective: To determine the factors influencing the practices of Female Genital Mutilation in Chesosurwo village, Kono Parish ,Binyiny Sub County, Kween District? Methodology: A cross sectional non‐interventionist exploratory study design was used in this study and it involved both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. And The target population were all females 18years and above living in Chesosurwo village, Kono Parish, Binyiny Sub County, Kween District

Results: Of the 140 respondents 66.4% of the respondents were circumcised which indicates a high prevalence of FGM in this community.This study also found several factors associated with the practice of FGM with high prevalence rates among the age groups of 31 – 40 (X2 [exact value] = 89.425; p.Value = 0.00), Married/cohabiting (X2 = 1.639), and 7.1% supported the practice of FGM. Recommendations and conclusion: Intervention must be centered on community needs, strengths, and recommendations. Project ownership must be transferred to the community. Individuals from the communities should be employed as trainers and agents of change. Socio-cultural values and settings should be respected when implementing activities. The level of knowledge on FGM was 100% due the presence of organisations and government agencies sensitizing the community about the dangers of the practice. There were also some people who still want the practice to continue and said they would circumcise their next daughter.