Murat Akbas1, Ozer Birge2, Deniz Arslan3, Ertugrul Gazi Ozbey4. 1. Manisa Celal Bayar University, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Manisa, Turkey. 2. Osmaniye State Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Osmaniye, Turkey. 3. Nyala Sudan Turkey Training and Research Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Nyala, Sudan. 4. Nyala Sudan Turkey Training and Research Hospital. Department of Urology. Nyala, Sudan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is an illegal tradition commonly practiced in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Despite a globalized world and developing social media, this harmful practice is currently still being implemented. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the opinions of university students regarding FGM/C. METHODS: This descriptive study included 821 students who studied at Nyala University, Sudan, in January 2016. The students were questioned for the following: age, faculty, reasons for female circumcision, effects of female circumcision on female sexual functions and their views about the circumcision for their daughter. RESULTS: The rate of FGM/C among female university students was 80.1%. Although 73% of the male students prefer to marry uncircumcised women, they also reported that FGM/C should be continued to be performed, and their future daughters should be circumcised (64.5%). Female students were against FGM/C for their future daughters (77.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that even educated individuals demand FGM/C in spite of knowing the harm. It is therefore suggested continuing educational studies on this subject.
BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is an illegal tradition commonly practiced in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Despite a globalized world and developing social media, this harmful practice is currently still being implemented. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the opinions of university students regarding FGM/C. METHODS: This descriptive study included 821 students who studied at Nyala University, Sudan, in January 2016. The students were questioned for the following: age, faculty, reasons for female circumcision, effects of female circumcision on female sexual functions and their views about the circumcision for their daughter. RESULTS: The rate of FGM/C among female university students was 80.1%. Although 73% of the male students prefer to marry uncircumcised women, they also reported that FGM/C should be continued to be performed, and their future daughters should be circumcised (64.5%). Female students were against FGM/C for their future daughters (77.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that even educated individuals demand FGM/C in spite of knowing the harm. It is therefore suggested continuing educational studies on this subject.