KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF FGM, UVULECTOMY AND EXTRACTION OF CANINE MILK TEETH FOLLICLE AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF ONE LIVING IN GONDAR TOWN

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional cultural practices reflect values and beliefs held by members of a community for periods often spanning generations. Every social group in the world has specific traditional cultural practices and beliefs; some of these practices
are harmful to a specific group of the population, such as women and children.
Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess knowledge, attitude and exercise (KAP) of harmful traditional practices
(FGM, uvulectomy and extraction of canine milk teeth follicle) among mothers of infants living in Gondar town.
Methods: A community based crosssectional study was conducted among mothers of infants living in Gondar town. Mothers
living in four kebeles of the town were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire prepared for this purpose to assess their
knowledge, attitude, and practice of harmful traditional practices.
Results: A total of 503 mothers were interviewed on their knowledge, attitude, and exercise of harmful traditional practices in
children. Mothers’ age ranged from 16 to 45 years, the median age being 25. The majority (69.1%) were Orthodox Christians
and(92.2%) Amhara by ethnicity. The educational status of 45.8% of the mothers was below high school. FGM, uvulectomy and
extraction of canine milk teeth were considered to be valuable by 2.2%, 19.7%, and 14.5% of the mothers, respectively. The
prevalence of FGM, uvulectomy and extraction of milk teeth of infants was 1.2%, 22.9% and 10.9%, respectively. Low level of
maternal and paternal education and low income increased the risk of these harmful practices.
Conclusions: The prevalence of uvulectomy and extraction of milk teeth is high. A multidisciplinary approach involving all
sectors is recommended for their eradication.