Related Factors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Ravansar (Iran)

This study was performed to determine the prevalence and related factors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in women visited at the health centers of the city of Ravansar In Kermanshah province, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 women who were visited at 5 health centers of the city of Ravansar. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and women were examined about exist FGM. The prevalence of FGM was 55.7% among Ravansars’ women. It increases with age and about 54.4% were circumcised less than 7 years age. Almost all operations were performed by traditional circumcisers 85.7%. FGM was correlated with mothers’ education level (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), women’s level of education (p=0.006) and the level of knowledge and attitude toward mutilation (p<0.001). FGM is a common practice in Ravansars’ women. Improving the public knowledge regarding FGM and its consequences is extremely essential.