Epidemiological and gynecological correlates with female genital mutilation among Beni-Suef University students; cross sectional study

• Main Authors: Ahmed E. Arafa, Rasha S. Elbahrawe, Sherwet M. Shawky, Ahmed M. Abbas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2018-09-01
• Series: Middle East Fertility Society Journal
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110569017302030

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of FGM/C among university students in Beni-Suef, Egypt and detect the possible socio-demographic and gynaecological associations. Study design: A cross-sectional study had been conducted on 1723 females attending all faculties of Beni-Suef University (n = 28) and representing all academic years were selected using a multi-stage random sampling to participate in this study. By the beginning of the second term of the academic year 2016/2017, students were interviewed using a questionnaire included questions about the socio-demographic charcteristics, gynecological history, exposure to FGM/C and its justifications, sources of knowledge about FGM/C, gynecological manifestations associated with menstrual flow during the past 12 months and the pain relief methods they used during the same period. Results: Slightly less than half of our students (47.3%) were circumcised. Students residing in rural areas and those with illiterate parents were more likely to experience FGM/C (p < .001). Family and friends were the main sources of knowledge about FGM/C, but uncircumcised girls resorted more to school teachers and TV/Internet for information about FGM/C (p < .001). Most of the uncircumcised (98.2%) and the circumcised girls (73.5%) believe that the practice should not be justified, while the justifications were mainly religious and social. Dysmenorrhea and backaches were highly incident among the girls with no association between these symptoms and FGM/C. Conclusions: FGM/C is less prevalent among the university girls in Beni-Suef. Residential, parental level of education, religious and traditional issues are among the most potential risk factors for FGM/C. Keywords: Female genital mutilation, Circumcision, Dysmenorrhea, University students