PREVALENCE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS IT IN SERBO TOWN

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the most harmful traditions still practiced in many parts of the developing world, including Ethiopia. Information on the attitude of women towards this harmful practice is, however, scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the attitude of mothers towards female genital mutilation (FGM) and its prevalence among both mothers and their daughters in Serbo Town, Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted on mothers in Serbo Town, in January 2001. A sample of 138 mothers with at least one daughter was included in the study. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of mothers about the ill effects of FGM, their attitude towards FGM as well as reasons for the practice were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. A systematic sampling technique was employed to identify the study subjects. Data was sorted manually and analysis was done using a scientific calculator and X and p-values were determined using EPI-INFO version 6

Results: A total of 138 mothers were involved making the response rate 100% The majority were in the age range of 25-34 years 39(28.3%), Oromo by ethnicity 86(62.3%) and Muslim 71(51.4%). Most mothers were housewives 104(75.4%) and illiterate 65(47.1%). Fifty-three (38.4%) had monthly income of less or equal to 100 Birr. One hundred eighteen (85.5%) of the mothers were married One hundred thirty three (96.4%) mothers and 86(62.3%) of their daughters had undergone FGM. FGM in daughters is significantly associated with their maternal age, income of the family and educational level (P < 0.05). But there is no significant association between FGM in daughters and mother's ethnicity, religion, occupation and marital status (P >0.05). One hundred velve (81.2%) had positive attitude towards FGM, ie. they want to continue the practice in future, although 72452.2%) of the mothers reported to know the ill effects of FGM Mothers' attitude is significantly associated with their age, religion, income and education (P<0.05). The main reasons for FGM practice were hygienic and aesthetic, religion and adherence to culture and tradition.

Conclusion: Although the study showed that the prevalence of FGM among daughters is significantly lower than among mothers it is still widely practiced and majority of the study population favors its continuation. Hence it is recommended that collaborative effort should be made to strengthen Information, Education and Communication (IEC) to build the awareness of the community on the practice and its ill effects on the health of women.