Perceptions and knowledge on female circumcision. a case of meru women in Arumeru district, Arusha. Tanzania.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Meru women aged 18 years and above in Seela and Patandi village in Arumeru district Arusha region, Tanzania from June- July 2001. Perceptions and factors responsible for female circumcision were elicited using structured interviews and FGDs. The objective of the study was to investigate perception and knowledge on female circumcision among Meru women. Major findings were as follows:- • As many as 74.6% of respondents were circumcised. • Cultural reasons were mentioned by majority of respondents (86.7%) to be responsible for the existence and continuation ofthe practice. • While 51.7% of all respondents said parents do make decision for one to be circumcised, some parents did circumcise their daughters at a younger age (from six month) fearing that as they get older they may refuse to undergo the procedure. Some girls were reported to take self-initiative for circumcision following pressure from future husband as mentioned by 15% of the respondents. • Forty two percent (42%) of all respondents reported that health effects following female circumcision occurred if cultural rules were not followed. • Among all respondents, 42.5% had poor level of knowledge of health effects, 40.8% had moderate knowledge and 16.7% had good knowledge. ,. Level of education, marital status and age had significant association with circumcision status, p-value <0.01, <0.01, and <0.05 respectively.

/

- --- -~--- IX In Arumeru, female circumcision exists and is maintained through cultural reasons. It is reported by Meru women that, there are some men who still prefer marriage with circumcised women. Therefore girls are made to undergo female circumcision by their parents. The study leads to the following recommendations, women should send their children to school at least to attain primary education, should be encouraged to deliver in the hospital, should be encouraged to send their daughter to hospital whenever they suspect they are suffering from "lawalawa" and teach their daughters useful cultural issues without circumcisin