eng Science and Education Publishing American Journal of Public Health Research 2327-6703 2023-01-16 11 1 5 12 10.12691/ajphr-11-1-2 AJPHR20231112 article Hanan Elzeblawy Hassan nona_nano_1712@yahoo.com 1 Fatima Hosny Abd-ELhakam 1 Rasha El-Syed Ebrahim 1 Momen Zakria Mohammed 2 Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University, Egypt Lecturer of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting has complicated social and cultural foundations that outweigh the requirements and ideas of individuals. FGM/C is seen as a normal part of female socialization in societies that practice it. The reasons for continuing FGM/C in these societies include religious obligations, beauty in the form of smooth and small genitalia, delighting future families and sexual partners, having social significance, and being accepted for marriage. Aim: the study was conducted to assess Upper Egyptian females' knowledge about FGM/C. Subject & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. The study population consisted of 2837 females in family health centers (FHCs) in different sitting at Beni-Suef. ¦¡ Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet was used to collect data. Results: The mean age of the studied participants was 22.6±5, 77.2% knew that FGM/C has other names, 76.9% of females knew that FGM/C practice is illegal and 79.1% knew that the government makes an effort to reduce FGM/C practice. Most (87.3%) of participant females knew that FGM/C complications and health problems. Concerning immediate health consequences, 59.5% mentioned bleeding, 49.2% and 16.1% mentioned severe pain and psychological trauma, respectively. As regards, long-term health consequences, 48.8% and 51.9% of females mentioned psychiatric consequences and sexual consequences, respectively, while almost all did not know that labor problems are among the long-term consequences of FGM/C. Conclusion: Most females did not know that FGM/C has more than one type and almost all did not know that FGM/C has four types. Most of females knew that FGM/C practice is illegal and knew that the government makes an effort to reduce FGM/C practice. Most of participant females knew that FGM/C causes complications and health problems. Recommendations: Development of an educational programs and brochures for mothers about FGM is required to increase their awareness. http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/11/1/2/ajphr-11-1-2.pdf enhancement upper Egyptian females knowledge female genital mutilation