Male involvement in the practice of female genital mutilation in Shone town : Southern nation nationality regional government, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been one of the challenging health related practices which is prevalent in different continents. Though, there are some documents indicating the declining of this ancient surgery often also called circumcision, implementing the eradication program and effect a change as desired has never been easy. Eliminating FGM requires global, national and community involvement. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the awareness, involvement and attitude towards FGM among male inhabitants of Shone town, Southern part of Ethiopia. A total of 333 men were included in the study. Of these 60% were aged between 15 and 30 years. 76% of the study population are from Hadiya ethnic group. More than 50% of the respondents have primary or below primary level of education. Majority of the population are (68%) Protestant in their religion. Married population accounts 58% of the studied subjects. Tradition was the leading reason (94%) followed by increased chances of marriage for practicing FGM. Significant proportion (80%) of the respondents revealed that they have information about FGM from significant others. Only14% of the studied population got information about FGM from health institution. Most of the men (95%) have heard about FGM from before and of these 32% claimed that the practice has no health impact. Difficulties in labor are the most common complication mentioned by the respondents. Only 43% of the respondents have explained that FGM is cutting (removing) part of female organ and/or removal of clitoris. The study showed that the level of awareness of the community about FGM is low. The association between awareness, educational level and age is significant (P< .001). Married individuals are two times more likely to have low or no awareness about FGM. Very few number of respondents have attended seminar, health education or meeting on FGM. Majority of the discussions about FGM is carried out among colleagues. A Significant number of the studied subjects have responded that they were involved in the decision to have their daughter or sister mutilated. Only 24% of the total respondents are adequately involved in the prevention of FGM. A considerable number of the respondents (57%) approved the sustainability of the practice. 64% of the total respondents have positive attitude towards the practice. Educational level, marriage status and source of information are highly associated with type of attitude of the respondents. In general, the results showed that men are still in favor of the continuation of the practice of FGM. Those who were against FGM tended to be better educated and/or younger, suggesting that younger generations are initiating a change of attitude in the community. Those respondents who rejected the practice generally agreed that, because of its multi factorial nature, a multi disciplinary approach should be used to initiate change; all possible methods should be integrated for the maximum effect.