The PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM) AMONG WOMEN AGED BETWEEN 18-49 YEARS, AT KOMOSOKO SUB-LOCATION, MIGORI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The procedure has no known health benefits. Moreover, the removal of or damage to healthy genital tissue interferes with the natural functioning of the body and may cause several immediate and long-term health consequences. Girls and women who have undergone FGM are therefore at risk of suffering from its complications throughout their lives. According to WHO (2016), FGM violates a series of well-established human rights principles, including the principles of equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, the right to life when the procedure results in death, and the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as the rights of the child. Most communities in Kenya widely practice the act of female genital mutilation or circumcision. This process involves partial or total removal of the female genitalia or other forms of injuries in the female organs for non-medical reasons, according to KDHS (2019).

Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study design with a quantitative approach, the study included a survey to be performed on women of reproductive age 18-49 years. A consent form was subjected to the target population before administering the questionnaires. Data collected were tabulated on tables where necessary, then analyzed by use of special statistical computer software with the aid of SPSS version 25 whereby; analysis using frequencies and percentages was carried out, while at the bivariate level, a 0.05 level of significance aided in determining the association between the variables, dependent or independent. Themes as well as sub-themes that constitute narrative regarding research objectives as well as questions are presented in tables and flow charts.

Results: The majority of the female study participants (57.6% n=99) were aged 35-49 years, (82.6 % n=142) were married and (41.9% n=72) had a primary level of education. A higher percentage (47.7% n=82) were self-employed. The majority of the female respondents (83.1% n = 143) interviewed in this study had undergone FGM. In this study, 59.3% (n=102) of the women had circumcised their daughters whereas 33.7% are against the act while 7.0% intend to undergo the activity in the future as a cultural requirement. Among the Kuria, the practice of FGM has been associated with the importance of upholding cultural traditions; preserving sexual morality, and social pressure. According to the respondents, the persistence of FGM was attributed to traditional/cultural beliefs. Regarding socio-demographic factors, there was a great significant (p<0.05) association between Age, marital status, and level of education with the prevalence of FGM. Net monthly income, income to the circumciser, geographical area, and occupation had a significant (p<0.05) association with the prevalence of FGM. However, there was no significant (>0.05) association between sociocultural factors; religion, participation in cultural ceremonies, and social stereotyping with the prevalence of FGM in the study.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the persistence of FGM is attributed to the socialization of the community. Its persistence among the Kuria is enhanced by the culture/traditions force and willingness of women and girls to undergo the practice in order to maintain the cultural integrity of the community. Culture, therefore, plays a crucial role in the persistence of FGM practice in this community. Therefore, there is need for a continuous education on awareness of the dangers associated with FGM which should be integrated into the education system of the girl child in Kenya.