Female Genital Mutilation: Females' Intention in Northern Upper Egypt

Background: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting is an ancient cultural practice, predating the Bible and therefore the Koran, and has no basis in any religion. It is related to deep social and cultural ideas impeded in several societies regarding femininity and modesty because it is viewed as girls clean and delightful only after being genitally cut. FGM/C is additionally viewed as a protection of virginity, and it prevents premarital sex. Aim: The present study was carried find out to assess Females' Intention in Northern Upper Egypt regarding Female Genital Mutilation. Subject & Methods: A Descriptive Cross-sectional study was used. The study was conducted in family health centers (FHCs) in different sitting at Beni-Suef Governorate. A Convenient sample was used. А Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet which includes three sections: Socio-demographic data, Intention to practice FGM/C, and Causes for intention or not to practicing FGM/C. Results: The mean age of the studied participants was 22.6±5. Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation is 71.4percentage, 29.7percentage of participants are suffering from complications after FGM. About 28.6percentage of females who had mutilated their daughters were planning to mutilate their other daughters in the future. More than one-third of females (35.5percentage) had an unfavorable attitude and 40.5percentage had poor levels of knowledge regarding FGM/C. 71.3percentage of females mentioned that the source of their information about FGM/C was their personal experience. Conclusion: Northern Upper Egyptian Females' Intention regarding intention of mutilating their daughters was significantly affected by demographic characteristics, level of knowledge, and level of attitude, source information, exposure to complications or pressure from family and neighbors. Recommendations: Alleviate females' intention toward Female Genital Mutilation should be improving their awareness regarding complications and Egyptian law against FGM, established by improve females' resistance toward family or neighbor regarding bad and harmful traditions.