Female genital mutilation: A prospective view

There continues to be a high rate of female circumcision being practiced in Egypt. A questionnaire covering circumcision status, circumstances of circ umcision procedures, and attitudes towards circumcising their daughters was given to female students in nursing secondary, schools. This population wa s chosen as a representative sample of future mothers who also will work in a very sensitive area related to female circumcision. Results showed that all the students surveyed were circumcised. The peak ages for circumcision performance were between 10 and 12 years. About 60% of operations were perf ormed by physicians and about 80% were done under anaesthesia at home. Rura l residence was the main variable influencing The continuation of this prac tice in a culture in which traditions and habits are strongly respected. Th is points to the difficulties that face any efforts to eradicate this proce ss.