University Students’ Perception, Knowledge and Believes towards Female Genital Mutilation in the Sudan

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total cutting away of the female external genitalia; its consequences vary considerably by the type. Objective: to assess the knowledge, beliefs and perception of Al Ribat university students/ Sudan regarding FGM and comparison between female and male students was done.Methods: A cross-sectional study with detailed pretested questionnaires designed to elicit information on the views and opinions of 105 convenient samples was conducted in November 2013. Result: The vast majority of the respondents were found to be aware of the complications of FGM, 74% of the female respondents had undergone FGM, and however, the study revealed that 85.7 % of the male students preferred to marry uncircumcised women over circumcised ones.  About 72.7% and 75 % of the females and males respectively supported the non-continuation of FGM. Conclusion: The views, attitudes and perceptions expressed by the university students was so impressive but still a substantial effort should be made to raise the awareness among the community, any action against FGC should take into account the multiplicity of reasons that support and motivate its practice, Government and stakeholder should state clear ministerial decree to end FGM and made it punishable by fine and imprisonment.

Keywords: FMG, FC, Pharaonic and HIV