Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting among healthcare providers in two public hospitals in Egypt

A cross-sectional study

Bibliographic Data

ID19590815
AuthorsAhmed Hamdy (0000-0002-0869-5711, Cairo University), Ahmed Taha Aboushady (0000-0002-8245-6591, Alexandria University), Hatem Ibrahim Abd El Moty (Cairo University), Mohammed Omar Mostafa ELShobary, Yasmin Bassiouny, Yasmin A Bassiouny (Cairo University), Amira Aly Hegazy (0000-0002-0046-7909, Cairo University, corresponding author)
EditorsJulia Robinson (0000-0003-0719-3995)
Year2023
Volume3
Issue12
Pagese0002724
Publication date2023-12-29
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0002724
PMID38157330
OpenAlexW4390394779
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited24

Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C), also known as female circumcision, is a human rights violation and is still happening to date. Every woman or girl has the right to be protected from this harmful practice. Egypt has adopted a multi-layered strategy to end FGM/C nationwide. Even though considerable progress has been made throughout the country, the practice and inequality still exist. In 2021, The Egyptian Family Health Survey results showed a decrease in the prevalence of circumcision among ever-married women, reaching about 86%, compared to 92% in the latest public estimate of the Demographic Health Survey 2015, where 87% of all women between 15 and 49 years old are circumcised, of which 42.4% reported being circumcised by a healthcare professional (HCP) compared to a reported 47% in 2021. This study aimed to assess healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in two public hospitals in 2 governorates in Egypt using a validated questionnaire conducted among HCPs in Cairo (Urban) and Gharbia (Rural) governorates. A pre-tested questionnaire comprising 38 close-ended questions was used. The study population included 223 HCPs in Cairo and Gharbia governorates, of which 63.7% were women and 36.3% were men, with an average age of 42 years (42±5). 49.8% of the respondents are from an urban area. In the knowledge domain, the highest consequence identified was reduced sexual feelings. In attitudes, almost 63% believed that FGM/C should continue, while 65% agreed that the HCPs have a role in eliminating FGM/C. Almost 4% of our respondents have performed an FGM before, 45% had FGM in their household, and 62% would perform FGM on their daughters. HCPs’ integration within the communities allows them to play a crucial role in preventing the practice. It is of utmost importance to compensate for the gap in the curricula of medical schools through informal learning activities and continuing medical education programs for sexual and reproductive health and rights and human rights, as legislation and law enforcement alone cannot eliminate FGM/C from society

Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Family medicine · Feeling · Female circumcision · Girl · Gynecology · Health care · Political science · Population · Public health · Sociology · Demography · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Genital Health and Disease · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

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