Epidemiology, Regional Characteristics, Knowledge, and Attitude Toward Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Southern Iran

Abstract

Introduction Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), also known as female circumcision, is an ancient traditional procedure that involves partial or total removal of the female external genitalia for nonmedical reasons. Although it is well described in African and some Arabic countries, data from Iran are scarce. Aim To describe the epidemiology, regional characteristics, knowledge, and attitude toward FGM/C in Southern Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted during a 36-month period from 2010 to 2013 in Hormozgan, a southern province of Iran near the Persian Gulf. We included 780 women in six major rural areas of the province who referred to healthcare centers for vaccination, midwifery, or family planning services. All participants underwent complete pelvic examination to determine the type of FGM. The questionnaire consisted of several sections such as demographic and baseline characteristics, and two self-report sections addressing the knowledge and attitude toward FGM/C and its complications. Baseline sociodemographic characteristics including age, educational level, marital status, religion, and nationality were the independent variables. Results Among the participants, 535 (68.5%) had undergone FGM/C. FGM/C was associated with higher age (P = 0.002), Afghan nationality (P = 0.003), Sunni Islam as religion (P = 0.019), illiteracy (P < 0.001), and family history of FGM/C in mother (P < 0.001), sister (P < 0.001), and grandmother (P < 0.001). Ancient traditions in the area (57.1%) were mentioned as the most important factor leading to FMG/C. Urinary tract infection was the most common reported complication (60.4%). Conclusion FGM/C is a common practice in rural areas of Southern Iran. It is associated with increased age, illiteracy, Sunni Islam religion, Afghan nationality, and positive family history. Lack of knowledge toward FGM/C is the main cause of its high prevalence and continuation in the area.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting among Women of Somali and Kurdish Origin in Finland

“…In some traditional societies, FGM/C is a requirement for getting married so it is not surprising that FGM/C is more common among older married than among unmarried women . Consistent with other studies , FGM/C was more common in older age groups, which shows the decline in the practice among younger generations. Preventive work both in Finland and in the countries of origin are also likely to have had some effect.…”

“…FGM/C prevalence is known to be high among Somalis . However, there is little information on the tradition of FGM/C among Kurdish women, though it is known that in Iraqi Kurdistan, the prevalence of FGM/C is between 40 and 70 percent . In Finland, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has published a specific action plan on the prevention of FGM/C for the years 2012–2016 .…”

Effects of school-based health education on attitudes of female students towards female genital mutilation in Sudan

“…The study revealed a FGM prevalence of 30.3% among female students of selected primary and secondary schools in Karari locality of Khartoum state, which was lower when compared to the prevalence documented by Sudan multiple indicator cluster survey (86.6%) (4). This result was also lower than the FGM prevalence reported by other studies, for example in rural areas of Nigeria (49.6%) (13), nationwide in Sierra Leone (94%) (14), in selected areas of eastern Ethiopia (90%) where Muslims make up 84% of the study participants (15), and in Hormozgan in the southern region of Iran (68.5%) where Muslims form all study participants (16). However, this lower result might be due to reticence by females at this age to give such information, even with assurances of anonymity.…”

Estimating Utility value for Female Genital Mutilation

“…[4] It may also be seen among some ethnic groups and immigrants living in developed European and North American countries and Australia. [5] Although there are no o cial and comprehensive statistics on the prevalence of FGM/C in Iran, the results of few studies have shown that the prevalence of the practice varies by region and is mainly concentrated in the western and southwestern provinces (Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Bushehr, Kurdistan, and Kermanshah [6][7][8] which are mostly inhabited by Sunni Muslims. The prevalence of the FGM/C is reported to be between 55.5 and 70% primarily in rural of these areas.…”

“…[11] Some studies have shown that the main reasons for performing this practice in Iran are the preservation of traditions, cleanliness, religious recommendations, and control of sexual desire, respectively. [8,9] These factors have turned FGM/C, as an element for inequality and violence against women, into a social norm or conviction.…”