Female Genital Mutilation, Sexual Quality of Life and Marital Relationship: A Case-Control Study from Iran

Shahla Shafaati Laleh; Farzaneh Soltani; Ghodratollah Roshanaei

doi:10.18502/jfrh.v16i4.11357

Shahla Shafaati Laleh Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Farzaneh Soltani Mother and Child Care Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Ghodratollah Roshanaei Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfrh.v16i4.11357

Keywords: Female Genital Mutilation; Quality of Life; Sexuality; Women's Health

Abstract

Objective: Studies on the sexual consequences of female genital mutilation is mostly related to sexual function, while sexual quality of life is a more objective criterion for studying the effects of genital mutilation on the women's sexual life. The purpose of this study was to compare the sexual quality of life and marital relationship in the mutilated women with other women living in the Kurd region of Mahabad (Iran).

Materials and methods: In a case-control study, 600 married women (300 mutilated and 300
non- mutilated women) who referred to the health centers completed the sexual quality of life questionnaire (SQOL-F) as well as demographic questionnaires. Data analyzed using chi-square, independent t-test, and linear regression model with stepwise method at 95% confidence level.

Results: The mean total score of sexual quality of life in the mutilated group (40.28±16.76) was significantly lower than the control group (45.29±19.16). The chance of having a higher score of sexual quality of life in the mutilated group was 0.13 times lower than the control group. This value was 0.16 times for self-worthlessness area, 0.10 for sexual repression, 0.12 for psycho-sexual feeling, and 0.32 for sexual and marital satisfaction areas (p <0.05). In the mutilated group, the total score of sexual quality of life was significantly correlated with age, income, spouse's violence, spouse's infidelity, intercourse frequency, and residence status (P <0.05).

Conclusion: Female genital mutilation can decrease the sexual quality of life and increase the chance of negative consequences such as spouse violence, infidelity, and intercourse reduction.