Clinic-based investigation of the typology and self-reporting of FGM [female genital mutilation] in Egypt -- final report

The present study provides more detailed information on the subject, using data collected through interviews with and physical examinations of 1,339 women out-patients at 11 clinics providing gynecological and family planning services. The study assessed the accuracy of self-reporting of FGM, and gathered -- for the first time -- systematic information on the range of the severity of the FGM practiced in Egypt. The self-report findings indicate an FGM prevalence of 97%. Agreement between self-reporting and examination findings (either negative or positive reports) occurred in approximately 94% of the cases. In all, 93% of the women in this study were found to have some type of FGM. Regarding the range of FGM practices, partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora was found in approximately 60% of the women examined. This is the most common type of FGM practice observed in the study. Approximately 9% of the women in the study were found to have had the tissue of the labia majora excised. The study"s findings have been incorporated in the final report of the 1995 EDHS. (Author abstract, modified))