Abstract
Background: Despite the widespread practice of FGM, not much attention had been given to it until recently. The attitude of expectant mothers towards it is crucial in sustaining it. It is practiced mainly in Africa and in some Asian countries.
Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards FGM among the reproductive age women in Amad Imam town, Jarso district, East Hararge zone, Oromia Region.
Methods: A community based cross sectional study was employed. Study was conducted from March 15 to April 1/2018. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects and data was collected by using pretested, structured questionnaire, translated to local language (Oromiffa).
Results: A total of 264 female respondents in the reproductive age group (15-49 years) were interviewed with structured questionnaire. Prevalence of FGM in the study area was 91.28%, where excision (type II) is the commonest type of FGM practiced. clitoridectomy and suni where reported 30.68% and 16.28% respectively. 178(67.4%) of the respondents had good knowledge on FGM and 188(71.2%) of the respondent women had positive attitude towards FGM, and 30(11.36%) had negative attitude towards FGM.
Conclusion: FGM is common practice in the eastern Hararge Zone, East Ethiopia .There is a gap between knowledge of negative effect of the practice and positive attitude toward the practice to continue. Hence, wide information, education and communication recommended.