Abstract:
Introduction: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful traditional practice that
reflects deep-rooted gender inequality and represents a societies control over women. The
practice of FGM, in one form or another continues to exist in around 40 countries of the world. It
is associated with different kinds of health problems which manifest immediately or long after
the wound has healed. Complications during delivery are among the long term complications.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of FGM and associated birth
complications among women of reproductive age groups (15-49 years) with first birth within the
last five years in Basketo special woreda from March 10-22/2014.
Methods and materials: A community based cross-sectional survey using a multistage sampling
technique was employed. Study subjects were randomly selected from reproductive age women
with first birth within the last five years before survey. A total of 756 women were included.
Data was collected using semi-structured and pre- tested interviewer administered questionnaire
and was analyzed using computer software SPSS version 16.0. Frequency tables, graphs and
descriptive summaries were used to describe the study variables. Both bivariate and multivariate
logistic regression analysis (P-value < 0.05, AOR with 95% CI) was used to see association and
significance of association between outcome and predictor variables.
Result: Of the total 756 respondents interviewed, 276 (36.5%) of respondents were Circumcised
while 480 (63.5%) were not circumcised. On multivariate logistic regression Muslim religion 5.0
(1.7-13.3), non Basketo ethnicity 3.5(2.4-5.0), illiterate parent 1.7(1.4-1.96), occupationally
employed women 0.45(0.24-0.85), women from highest wealth family 0.024(0.005-0.10), and
women from rural residence 2.4 (1.4-4.25) had statistically significant relation with the practices
of female circumcision. Circumcised women developed complications 1.710(1.252-2.334) times
higher than uncircumcised one.
Conclusion and recommendation: FGM/C still exists in Basketo woreda with high prevalence,
inspite of the government efforts to abandon the practice. The practice of FGM/C was higher
among non Basketo ethnic group. Circumcised women have also a risk to develop complications
during birth. Therefore focus should be given to education of women, empowering status of
women by involving them in income generating activities, and create awareness about the effect
of FGM/C on birth out come by involving religious leader with special attention to rural area.
