Reproductive Health (Rh) and Female Genital Mutilation (Fgm) A Case Study of Reach Project in Kapchorwa District, Eastern Uganda

ABSTRACT 

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been in various societies in Africa and the Middle East for many centuries. Uganda is among the 28 African countries with several ethic groups which are still practicing FGM. Due to the population to be covered and the numerous needs for Reproductive Health awareness in kapchorwa district, the efforts are yet to bear full fruition. However, little has been done in the rural areas of the district as far as sensitization and campaign against FGM is concerned. The main purpose of the study was to assess the role of Reproductive Health Projects in addressing FGM related challenges in Kapchorwa district. The study followed a case study design where a descriptive correlational design was employed and it was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. A questionnaire was distributed to 86 respondents who were selected randomly and purposively. Three questions were tested including determining the role of RHP5 in addressing FGM i) socio-cultural ii) physio-psychological and iii) economic related challenges. Data analysis using Pearson’ Linear Correlation Coefficient, revealed a positive significant relationship between RHP5 and FGM i) socio-cultural challenges ii) physio-psychological challenges and iii) economic related challenges. The research concluded that i) RHPs are significantly addressing FGM socio-cultural challenges by sensitizing people against the values and beliefs attached to FGM ii) RHP5 are significantly addressing physio-psychological challenges such as stigma and that iii) RHPs have significantly addressed FGM economic related challenges high expenditures on FGM ceremonies. The research recommended that if RHPs are to sustain and improve their role in addressing FGM related challenges, they should i) extend their existence in the area ii) introduce alternative rituals of passage that do not involve FGM, increase their sensitization campaigns against FGM, promote good cultural values, iii) enhance their effort of addressing physio-psychological challenges such as stress and stigma and iv) promote education in the area, job offering projects and special development program by the government to address FGM economic related challenges in kapchorwa district.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

Declaration A -I

Declaration B -II

Approval sheet -III

Dedication -IV

Acknowledgement -v

Abstract -VI

Table of contents -VII

List of tables -X

List of figures -XI

Acronyms -XII

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE -1

Background of the Study -1

Statement of the Problem -3

Purpose of the Study -4

Research Objectives -4

Research Questions -4

Scope -5

Significance of the Study -5

Operational Definitions of Key Terms -6

Conceptual framework -7

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE -8

Introduction -8

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions From Authors/Experts -8

Theoretical Perspectives -9

Related Studies -12

Three METHODOLOGY -22

Introduction -22

Research Design -22

Research Population -22

Sample Size -23

Sampling Procedure -23

Research Instrument -23

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument -24

Data Gathering Procedures -24

Data Analysis -25

Ethical Considerations -25

Limitations of the Study -26

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA -27

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS -36

Introduction -36

Findings -36

Conclusions -36

Recommendations -38

References -40

Appendkes -43

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter -43

Appendix II - Informed Consent -44

Appendix III - Research Instrument -45

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae -48