The prevalence of female genital mutilation and related factors among women in Kamyaran, Iran

BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as an injury of the external female genitalia for cultural or non-therapeutic reasons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of FGM and related factor among women in Kamyaran, Iran. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among women referring to health centers of Kamyaran in 2014. The sample size for the study was 380 women, and with regard to the possibility of dropping, 400 subjects were included. Data were collected by researchers' questionnaire containing two parts. The first part was demographic information, and the second was information associated with genital mutilation. Reliability was assessed by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which was 0.85. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics, and chi-square, and logistic regression tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of FGM was 50.5%. In the age group of 21-30 years, there were 168 (42%) women. 263 women (65.8%) were married and 146 (36.5%) women had diploma. 328 women (82%) were Sunni and 249 (63.3%) were born in city. There was significant difference between FGM and women's age as well as religion of father and mother (P < 0.050). There was no significant difference between FGM and marital status, education of father and mother, and place of birth (P > 0.050). CONCLUSION: According to the results, FGM is a deep cultural problem in Kamyaran city and there is a need for programs to reduce its rate.