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 circumcision procedures, and attitudes towards circumcising their daughters was given to female students in nursing secondary schools. This population was 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 performed by physicians and about 80% were done under anaesthesia at home. Rural residence was the main variable influencing the continuation of this practice in a culture in which traditions and habits are strongly respected. This points to the difficulties that face any efforts to eradicate this process.