Medicalization of female genital cutting in Egypt.
The medicalization of female genital cutting (FGC) has been increasing. This cross-sectional study estimated the determinants of the practice of FGC among Egyptian physicians. Responses from 193 physicians showed that while 88% of them knew at least one adverse physical or sexual consequence, 18% approved of it, mostly as a religious observation (82%). Almost one-fifth (19%) of physicians practised FGC, mostly due to conviction (51%) or for profit (30%). A negative correlation was found between knowledge of the adverse consequences of FGC and both approval and practice. Cultural influences were the highest determinant (81%) followed by lack of knowledge (35%).
Refaat
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Department of Community Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. amany.refaat@iwaldenu.edu
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel / Q000208:ethnology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000208:ethnology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004534:Egypt; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011365:Professional Practice Location / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires