Objective:
To evaluate prevalence of FGC in Sohag governorate, Upper Egypt, after 6 years of putting law in action.
Methods:
Female students from preparatory schools (3 urban & 3 rural) were asked by social workers whether they had circumcision within the last 6 years. A questionnaire from was sent to parents of girls who were positive for circumcision as to the circumstances surrounding the procedure.
Results:
Total numbers of girls included in the study was 3730. The majority of girls (84.9%) had circumcision within the last 6 years with high prevalence in rural areas (92.5%). Circumcision (71.5%) was done for a combination of causes with high rate of non medical personnel participation (64.15%).
Conclusion:
Our results indicate that the practice of FGC in Upper Egypt remains high despite enforcement of law. Extensive efforts are needed both to revise public awareness and to change people's attitude.