Knowledge, attitudes, and positions of religious leaders towards female genital mutilation: A cross-sectional study from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background: Understanding the perspectives of the key players in the community regarding female genital cutting (FGC) is very important for directing preventive programs. Religious leaders help shape community behaviors, which is highly pertinent in the case of FGC as it is frequently perceived to be a religious requirement. This study assesses religious leaders knowledge, attitudes, and positions towards FGC in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It included a purposive sample of 147 local religious leaders ( khateebs ) representing the three governorates of Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, and Duhok. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about the religious leaders knowledge, attitude, and position towards FGC. Results: The participants identified reduction of the sexual desire of women as the main benefit (37%) and risk (24%) of FGC. Cultural tradition and religious requirements were the main reasons for practicing FGC. About 59% of the religious leaders stated that people ask for their advice on FGC. Around 14% of the participants supported performing FGC, compared to 39.1% who opposed it. Religious (73.9%) and cultural (26.1%) rationales were the main reasons given for supporting FGC. Being a cultural practice and having harmful effects (53.5%) and lack of clear religious evidence (46.6%) were the main reasons for being against FGC. Around 52% of the participants recommended banning FGC by law, while 43.5% did not support banning it. A statistically significant association (P=0.015) was found between religious leaders residence and their position on performing FGC. More than 46% of those residing in Duhok were against performing FGC, compared to lower proportions in Erbil (38.8%) and Sulaimaniyah (30%). Conclusion: A conclusive decision concerning FGC banning needs to be made by religious authorities to advise people to avoid the practice. Health awareness activities incorporating FGC risks should be carried out to enlighten religious leaders at different levels of religious positions. Further research exploring perspectives of religious authorities concerning religious leaders inconclusive judgments about FGC is deemed necessary.