A community based study on the change of practice of female genital mutilation in a Sudanese village

Objective: To investigate the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), among young and old parents. Methods: One hundred and twenty young parents and grandparents in a rural area in central Sudan were randomly selected for interviews carried out according to structured questionnaires with open answer possibilities. Results: All female respondents had undergone FGM. Of the young respondents, 44% had decided not to let their daughters undergo FGM. Young fathers were more involved in the decision process than previously known, especially when decisions were taken not to perform FGM. Tradition and social pressure were the main motives for performing FGM. Sexuality was an important aspect, mentioned both as motives for and against FGM. Religious belief and education level significantly affected to what extent FGM was practiced. Conclusion: This is the first community based study of FGM indicating a significant shift in practice between generations, young parents starting to question the value of FGM. (C) 2001 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights reserved.