scholarly journals Prevalence and Barriers to Ending Female Genital Cutting: The Case of Afar and Amhara Regions of Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7960
Author(s):  
Sintayehu Abebe ◽  
Muluken Dessalegn ◽  
Yeshitila Hailu ◽  
Misrak Makonnen
Keyword(s):  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
Female Genital Cutting ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Community Stakeholders ◽  
Female Children ◽  
Genital Cutting ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Female Genital

Female genital cutting (FGC) remains highly prevalent in Ethiopia, in spite of a slowly decreasing trend over the last decade. In an effort to inform and strengthen FGC interventions in Ethiopia, this study aimed to assess FGC prevalence in cross-administrative border* districts and to explore barriers to ending FGC. A mixed methods, cross-sectional study was employed in three districts in the Afar and Amhara regions in Ethiopia. A sample of 408 women with female children under the age of 15 were included in the study. Additionally, 21 key informant interviews and three focus group discussions were held with local government officials and community stakeholders. The study found that the prevalence of FGC among mothers interviewed was 98%. Seventy-four percent of the female children of participants had undergone FGC. Of the youngest (last born) female children, 64.7% had experienced FGC. The participation of respondents in cross-administrative FGC practices ranged from 4% to 17%. Quantitative analysis found that knowledge and attitude towards FGC, level of literacy, place of residence, and religious denomination were associated with FGC practice. The study also found that the lack of participatory involvement of local women in programs that aim to end FGC and the lack of suitable legal penalties for those who practice FGC exacerbate the problem. A significant proportion of participants support the continuation of FGC practices in their communities. This finding indicates that FGC practice is likely to persist unless new approaches to intervention are implemented. It is recommended that a comprehensive response that couples community empowerment with strong enforcement of legislation is administered in order to effectively end FGC in Ethiopia by 2025, in alignment with the national plan against Harmful Traditional Practices. * Cross-administrative border means a border between two regional states in Ethiopia. In this document, it refers to the movement of people between Amhara and Afar regional states.

scholarly journals The association between physical complications following female genital cutting and the mental health of 12-year-old Gambian girls: A community-based cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245723
Author(s):  
Bothild Bendiksen ◽  
Trond Heir ◽  
Fabakary Minteh ◽  
Mai Mahgoub Ziyada ◽  
Rex A. Kuye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Genital Cutting ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Genital Cutting ◽  
Female Genital

Background Female genital cutting (FGC) involve an acute physical trauma that hold a potential risk for immediate and long-term complications and mental health problems. The aim of this study was to examine the prediction of depressive symptoms and psychological distress by the immediate and current physical complications following FGC. Further, to examine whether the age at which 12-year-old Gambian girls had undergone the procedure affected mental health outcomes. Method This cross-sectional study recruited 134 12-year-old girls from 23 public primary schools in The Gambia. We used a structured clinical interview to assess mental health and life satisfaction, including the Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire (SMFQ), the Symptom check list (SCL-5) and Cantril’s Ladder of Life Satisfaction. Each interview included questions about the cutting procedure, immediate- and current physical complications and the kind of help and care girls received following FGC. Results Depressive symptoms were associated with immediate physical health complications in a multivariate regression model [RR = 1.08 (1.03, 1.12), p = .001], and with present urogenital problems [RR = 1.19 (1.09, 1.31), p < .001]. The girls that received medical help following immediate complications had a lower risk for depressive symptoms [RR = .73 (.55, .98), p = .04]. Psychological distress was only associated with immediate complications [RR = 1.04 (1.01, 1.07), p = .004]. No significant differences in mental health outcomes were found between girls who underwent FGC before the age of four in comparison to girls who underwent FGC after the age of four. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the immediate and long-term complications following FGC have implications for psychological health. Only a minimal number of girls received medical care when needed, and the dissemination of health education seems crucial in order to prevent adverse long-term physical and psychological health consequences.

scholarly journals Effect of Female Genital Cutting on the Sexual Function among Egyptian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Genital Cutting ◽  
Type I ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Genital Cutting ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Female Genital

The existing literature on female genital cutting (FGC) is conflicting regarding its effects on sexual functions. The study aims is to evaluate the effects of FGC on the female sexual function. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out between April 2018 and January 2019. We included married women, aged 18-45 years old and sexually active during the last six months. All women were asked to complete the Arabic Female Sexual Function Index (ArFSFI) independently. The cut-off score to define sexual dysfunction on the total FSFI score is 28.1. Then, the gynecologist conducted a thorough clinical examination and a detailed assessment of the type and extent of FGC. Continuous data was expressed in the form of mean±SD while nominal data was expressed in the form of frequency and percentage. Results: The study included 200 women divided into two groups; group (I) FGC, n=127 women and group (II) no FGC, n=73 women. There was no statistically significant difference in sexual function between both groups [91 women (71.7%) in group I vs. 53 women (72.6%) in group II, p=0.511]. The mean total ArFSFI score in group I was 25.8±3.05 vs. 25.4±3.64 in group II (p=0.598). No statistically significant difference in the sexual function between women with type I and type II FGC (p=0.555). Conclusions: FGC is not associated with reduced scores of ArFSFI either in all domain scores or the total score. Moreover, no difference in the scores of the ArFSFI between women with type I or type II FGC.

scholarly journals Cohort analysis of the state of female genital cutting in Nigeria: prevalence, daughter circumcision and attitude towards its discontinuation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Babatunde M. Gbadebo ◽  
Adetokunbo T. Salawu ◽  
Rotimi F. Afolabi ◽  
Mobolaji M. Salawu ◽  
Adeniyi F. Fagbamigbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
The State ◽  
Female Genital Cutting ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Bodily Integrity ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Female Children ◽  
Genital Cutting ◽  
Female Genital

Abstract Background Female genital cutting (FGC) inflicts life-long injuries on women and their female children. It constitutes a violation of women’s fundamental human rights and threats to bodily integrity. Though decreasing, the practice is high and widespread in Nigeria despite efforts towards its eradication. This study was conducted to perform cohort analysis of the state of FGC between the years 2009 and 2018 in Nigeria. Results The study found that that FGC has reduced over the years from 56.3% among the 1959–1963 birth cohort to 25.5% among 1994–1998 cohorts but a rise in FGC between 1994–1998 cohorts and 1999–2003 cohorts (28.4%). The percentage of respondents who circumcised their daughters reduced from 40.1% among the oldest birth cohort to 3.6% among the younger cohort. Birth-cohort, religion, education, residence, region, and ethnicity were associated with FGC. Factors associated with the daughter’s circumcision were birth-cohort, religion, residence, region, ethnicity, wealth, marital status, FGC status of the respondent, and FGC required by religion. Similar factors were found for discontinuation intention. Conclusions The practice of FGC is still high but decreasing among younger birth-cohorts in Nigeria. There is no significant change in the perception of the discontinuation of FGC. More awareness about the adverse effects of FGC, particularly among women with poor education in Nigeria will greatly reduce this cultural menace’s timely eradication.

scholarly journals Assessment of awareness and attitude towards counterfeit medicines among pharmacy professionals working in community drug retail outlets in Harar town, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
pp. 01-11
Author(s):  
Eklas Abdunasir ◽  
Teshome Sosengo ◽  
Frehiwot Amare ◽  
Mohammed Yimam ◽  
Bisrat Hagos
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Counterfeit Medicines ◽  
Counterfeit Medicine ◽  
Retail Outlets ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Counterfeit medicines are drugs which are deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled with respect to identity and/or source. According to the WHO 2017 report, about 1% of prescribed medicines in the developed world and about 10-50% in parts of the developing world are estimated to be counterfeits. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of pharmacy profes-sionals towards counterfeit medicines in Harar town. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among pharmacy professionals found in Harar town, East Ethiopia. All pharmacy professionals working in community drug retail outlets of Harar town was included in the study. Accordingly, 92 pharmacy professionals were included in the study. The data was collected by using self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared in English language. Data was coded, entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sci-ence version 22. Then chi-square(x2) test was performed to determine there exists association of so-cio-demographic characters, profession and year of service towards awareness and attitude about counterfeit medicines was investigated using. Result: A total of 92 respondents were included in the study. The majority, 76 (82.6%), of the study participants had information about counterfeit medicine. The 26(28.3%), 42(45.7%) and 24(26%) of the respondents replied that counterfeit medicines have problem of efficacy, safety and cause eco-nomic problem on sellers of genuine drugs respectively. Majority of the study of the study partici-pants were not aware of a way of identification of counterfeit medicines, with only 18(19.6%), 47(51.1%) and 27(29.3%), replied that counterfeit medicines can be identified by its effect, inspec-tion and cost respectively. Majority of the respondents, 60(65.2%), responded that pharmacy profes-sional that knowingly dispense counterfeit medicine are business man /women. Most of the re-spondents, 66(71.7%), replied that pharmacy professionals carry out the business of counterfeit medicines transaction because of big profit obtained from such an activity. gender, profession and year of service in serving as pharmacy professional was found to be significantly associated with awareness towards counterfeit medicines, (p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant proportion of the study participants were not aware of the problems associ-ated with counterfeit medicines as efficacy, safety and economic problems. Majority of the respond-ents still are unaware about ways of identification of counterfeit medicines as inspection, by effica-cy and cost. Keywords: Counterfeit medicines; Awareness; Attitude; Professionals; Drug retail outlets

scholarly journals Determinants of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Khartoum State - Sudan, 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Khidir Mustafa Elnimeiri ◽  
Reem Mahmoud Mohamed Abdelbasit ◽  
Mohanad Kamaleldin Mahmoud Ibrahim ◽  
Dimetry Adel Dimetry Mingaryous ◽  
Taqwa Mohieldeen Hamid Abdelrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parental Education ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Female Genital Cutting ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Genital

Abstract Background: Female genital cutting/mutilation (FGC/M) is deeply rooted and widely practiced in Sudan. Although the trend is slowly decreasing, the magnitude is still very high as the procedure has no known benefit but has many consequences. The aim of this study was to identify the causes and the risk factors associated with FGC/M among reproductive-age women in the country.Methods: A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 902 women in the reproductive age (15-49) years in Khartoum State-Sudan, sampled proportionate to size using multistage clustering and participants were drawn using systematic probability sampling technique. Data were collected using a standardized administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 902 women who participated in the study, 89% of were married and 48% of them got married for the first time at age less than 20 years. The commonest age for such practice was 6-7 years as stated by about 48% of them. There is a significant association between educational level of participants and practicing FGC/M among their daughters (P value=.0001) with a tendency of the participants who attained a higher educational levels to less subject their daughters to any form of FGC/M. There is a significant association between the type of FGC/M of participants and the type of FGC/M of their daughters (P value=.001) with a tendency of the participants’ daughters to be subjected to clitorectomy rather than pharaonic. 39% of the participants stated that they themselves influenced the decision to subject their daughters to FGC/M while 32% of them stated that the grandmothers influence such a decision. The study revealed 45% of the participants believed in customs and traditions as the main reason for the conduct of FGC/M.Conclusion: The FGC/M was widely practiced by the participants’ families indicating the deeply rooted practice as a social norm. Parental education is inversely associated with practicing FGC/M to their daughters. The socio-cultural reason was the main cause of practicing FGC/M among participants. Therefore, a significant change in factors such as education, and social development might cause a gradual decline in FGC/M.

scholarly journals Medicalization of Female Genital Cutting in Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria: The Implication for Health Care Provision in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-40
Author(s):  
I. Ikechukwu ◽  
E.C. Isah ◽  
S.E. Ehinze
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Local Government Area ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Female Genital Cutting ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Genital Cutting ◽  
Female Genital

Background: Female genital cutting (FGC) affects over 200 million girls and women globally. It is inimical to health and increasingly being performed by healthcare providers. Medicalization of FGC is proposed by its proponents to reduce and prevent the incidence of its complications and though perceived to be safer, it is unethical and unjustifiable. This study assessed medicalization of FGC in Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State and made recommendations geared towards ending its practice.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among reproductive age women (15 – 44 years) selected using multi-stage sampling. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to obtain quantitative data from 502 women while a focus group discussion guide was used to obtain qualitative data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and by themes. Results were presented as tables and narratives.Results: Prevalence of FGC was 277 (55.2%), of which 223 (80.5%) were medicalized. The mean age of cutting was 16.8 ± 5.46 years and nurses performed majority 220 (79.4%) of them. Few 44 (8.8%) of the respondents were aware of possible complications of FGC. Qualitative findings indicated that FGC is still being practiced with nurses being reported as major practitioners.Conclusion: Despite concerted efforts to eliminate FGC, its practice is still propagated with increasing heath workers as practitioners. Advocacy and health education for women and girls as well as training and retraining of health care providers is imperative to check this trend.

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