Knowledge And Attitude Towards Female Genital Mutilation Among The Residents Of Eldas Division, Eldas District, Wajir County (Kenya)

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the perception of FGM among the residents of Eldas

Division, Wajir County, Kenya.

It was a cross-sectional study carried out in the study area and one hundred respondents were

interviewed and the majority (38%) were in the age group between 16-20 years with 56%%

married and the major religion being Islam.

The study finding shows that 78% of the respondents have heard messages against FGM and thathealth workers are the least source of information (9.1%).

Poverty and illiteracy was at an alarming rate as most of the respondents (71%) had no formal

education while 39% depend on pastoralism as source of income.

Most of respondents, 99% acknowledge that the community practices FGM and majority of girls,75% are circumcised at the age of 5-10 years with homes being the preferred sites (97%).On the attitude, the study found out that 39% of the respondents think that FGM is a goodpractice and 55% would allow the practice to continue. Advocacy remains poor with 91% of therespondents not knowing any organizations that advocate against FGM.