FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED BIRTH COMPLICATIONS IN CHEHA WOREDA, GURAGE ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA, 2022 G.C.

Abstract

Introduction: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the deeply rooted, harmful traditional practices that are still prevalent in a number of countries and Ethiopia is one of those. In spite of the fact that it is taken as cultural or traditional entity and its magnitude and associated birth complication is not studied well in the study area. Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the magnitude of FGM and its associated birth complication among women of reproductive age groups (15-49) in, Gurage zone, Cheha Woreda, SNNPR, Ethiopia, 20214E.C. Methodology: facility based cross sectional study was conducted by taking a total sample size of 378 from Attat hospital and Emdibir health center. Data was collected from April 13, 2022 to May 17, 2022 Systematic random sampling method was used to select individual respondents and the data for the study was collected using structured questionnaire from women of reproductive age living in Cheha woreda. Result: Out of 378 women, 243 (64.3%) of them practiced female genital mutilation and most of the operation was done by a non-medical practitioner, 233(95.9%). The prevalence of birth complications among the study participants was 289(79.6%). The likely hood of the occurrence of birth complications was five times more likely common among circumcised women [AOR=4.39 (95% CI; (2.00, 9.60)], when compared to women who doesn’t have the practice. Conclusion: In general, Female genital mutilation was very common among the study participants, and the majority of the operations were performed by non-medical personnel. The study's participants also have a high rate of birth complications. As a result, a multi-sectoral approach to reducing the problem and promoting safe delivery should be considered.