THE STUDY OF THE PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING FEMALE CIRCUMCISION

Abstract

Female circumcision (FC) constitutes a major public health problem in many countries in the world. In Egypt, it is more a cultural rather than an Islamic custom, as evidenced by its virtual absence in many Islamic countries (Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia) as wall as its prevalence in many non-Muslim African countries.

The aims of this study were to determine psychosocial factors leading to FC, to assess psychosocial impact of FC and to• develop a nursing intervention program to meet the identified needs.

This was accomplished by administering a questionnaire to a convenience sample of 200 young married couples, 100 families from rural and 100 families from urban areas in Menoufiya. This questionnaire elicited information about bio­ social status for both males and females; information about female own circumcision in relation to age, degree, reasons, who• I performs it, complications and treatment used; knowledge about

FC religious views females' opinion and reasons about FC and its relations to sexual and ma •ital relation.