Magnitude Of Female Genital Mutilation And Associated Birth Complications Among Reproductive Age Women With First Birth In Basketo Special Woreda, Snnpr, Ethiopia

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.