Perception of Female Genital Mutilation among Upper Egypt Health Service Providers

Egypt has the highest rate of FGM medicalization as the percentage of girls aged 0-14 years that underwent FGM by a health care provider is the highest in the world (83%), with doctors performing 74% of cases. four out of five girls under the age of 15 were subjected to FGM at the hands of medical professional. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still widespread – but increasingly condemned – throughout much of North and East Africa. Method

The study is a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at analyzing data related to health care provider’s (HCPs) perceptions regarding female genital mutilation in the private sector ibn Aswan Governorate in Upper Egypt. The study was conducted in two districts, namely Kom Ombo and Aswan districts.

This research includes doctors, pharmacists, and lab specialists in the private sector to identify general knowledge, perception and attitude towards FGM.Result

Total number of health service providers enrolled in the study was 230 specialist, Sex & Age group: 68% male (n=156) and 32% female (n=54) (Fig 1), majority of participant (57%) in the age group of 20-40 years

76% of the participants in the research sample were agreeing to participate in the research, provided that it was kept confidential, 10% of the sample declined to share any data, and 14% expressed uncertainty or were hesitant to commit.