Roselyter M. Rianga

Female Genital Cutting in Gucha: Abagusii Practice and Health Problems Roselyter M. Rianga

This book describes the persistent practice of Female Genital Cutting (FGC) among the Abagusii in Gucha District, Kenya that has adversely affected both women and children?s health. The study examines factors that influence the Gusii?s knowledge of the health effects associated with FGC and their attitudes towards the practice by suggesting actions of the anti-FGC campaigns that inevitably affect the process of change. Oral interviews were used to collect data from a sample of two hundred respondents by systematic random sampling technique, qualitative data from focus group discussions, key informant interviews and reviewed literature by applying Robert Merton?s functionalism theory and analysis done at two levels using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences computer program to establish the background characteristics of the study population. Karl Pearson?s coefficient of correlation and chi-square analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses at a significant level of 0.05. The results show 98 percent prevalence. Thus women?s opportunity in education, employment, political and economic empowerment will have the most positive interventions on FGC practice among the Gusii.