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Female genital mutilation is a common practice in many African countries and adversely affects women’s health. Aim: This study examined the views of African students enrolled at a university regarding female genital mutilation. Method: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with 230 African international students studying at a state university in Turkey. Data were collected using a descriptive information form. Data were evaluated using frequency, percentage, mean, and chi-square analyses using the SPSS program. Results: The average age of the students was 23.45±3.13 years, with 49.6% female and 50.4% male. 84.8% of students stated that they knew about female circumcision and 38.3% stated that a relative had undergone female circumcision. 19.3% of female students reported that they themselves had undergone the practice. It was found that 47.4% of students believed that female circumcision was performed for social/cultural reasons. 75.7% of students stated that they would like to participate in education related to female genital mutilation. When students' views on female genital mutilation were evaluated according to gender, it was seen that women agreed more than men that this practice negatively affects women's physical, psychological, and sexual health (p<0.05). It was determined that women, compared to men, viewed female circumcision as violence against women and a violation of human rights, and did not want female circumcision to continue (p<0.05). Conclusion: Approximately one-fifth of African female students had experienced female genital mutilation. Views differed by gender. Educational interventions may improve awareness. |
