Female genital mutilation: prevalence and practice in Nyambene district Kenya.

This paper presents the results of a large baseline survey and formative research conducted to determine the prevalence and practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nyambene District Kenya. Data obtained from household interviews focus group discussions and in-depth interviews formed the basis of this report. Of the 807 female respondents 73.1% (n = 590) were circumcised; average age at circumcision was 14.8 years with a higher incidence among Catholics respondents compared to Protestants (70% vs. 69%). The likelihood of being circumcised seemed to decrease with increased educational attainment and the educational attainment of the husband was significantly associated with the circumcision status of the woman. Respondents valued circumcision as an integral part of community life and it was associated with earlier marriage and increased childbearing. In general findings showed that the level of awareness on the health complications of FGM (such as severe bleeding infection complications during childbirth and death) was high. Despite this however a large number of female and male respondents still expressed intention to circumcise their offspring. The major factors which tend to encourage FGM were related to 1) the retention of traditional values of FGM which are reinforced by certain beliefs and misconceptions; and 2) the fear that uncircumcised women have high sex libido which would encourage promiscuity family disintegration and increased spread of sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. Based on these results recommendations to eradicate FGM in the district are outlined.