Does Non-Governmental Organizations Sensitization have Positive Impact on Rural Community Awareness, Prevalence and Complications of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting? Analyze of the Practice in Rural Setting in Mali

Abstract

Objective: To describe epidemiologic aspects, complications and the opinions of people about law against FGM comparing eras with and without Non-Governmental organizations against female circumcision in Mali.
Methodology: It was  prospective cross-sectional study covered the period from July 1st, 2016 to September 30th 2016, that had taken place in the District of Kayes and Ségou. Chi square has been used and p value <5% has been considered significant.
Results: The prevalence of female genital cutting was very high (88.1%). It is higher in eras where non-governmental organizations are not active (94.6%). The decision of cutting was mainly taken by the grandparents (29.3%) and the mother (18.1%). The two main reasons to perform this practice were custom/tradition (53.1%) and the religion (30.5%). Cutting has been done in the 98.0% and in health center 2.0% of cases. The mains complications were: infibulation/dysuria (46.9%) and vulva cysts (23.5%). The majority of respondents where Non-Governmental Organizations are active (60.7%) were against a law penalizing the practice.
Conclusion: The prevalence of female genital cutting is yet high in the villages studied. We have observed a positive impact of the sensitization in the areas where Non-Governmental organizations against FGM are active. Intensification of awareness campaigns would contribute to eliminate female genital cutting in Mali.