Revista Cubana de Obstetricia y Ginecología. 2009; 35(3)
Female sexual mutilation: Features of this practice [article in Spanish]
Rafael Orestes Vanegas Estrada, Fatou Atji, Orlando Valdez Álvarez
ABSTRACT
The practice of female sexual mutilation (FSM), excision or circumcision is abundantly treated in literature by social sciences authors, health professionals, religion, women rights activists and the victims of this violent practice carried out on many African girls and women.
OBJECTIVE: to identify the different factors involved in this practice, and frequency of physical consequences and psychological sequelae.
METHODS: we made a longitudinal, prospective and descriptive study of all patients seen in Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of the Point G Hospital-University Center, and of III level care, from December, 2006 to December, 2007.
Sample included the women with excision and after to be informed they gave its consent to inclusion.
RESULTS: we found a 90% prevalence of this practice in study patients. In study sample there was a predominance of housewives, illiterates, married, and Muslims.
The 60,8% of polled patients ignore complications of this practice. In all the cases we found a cicatricial lesion. The 89% of patients recognized the presence of psychosexual disorders. Tradition and religion were the causes stated for thecarrying out of their daughters with a significant difference (p <0,001).
CONCLUSIONS: it is a cultural practice perpetuating the social and economic injustices of women, moved away from international attention, violating thus the human rights.
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afworo.org 