Perceived Psychological aI'.d Health Consequences of Some Selected Harmful Traditional Practices on Children in Ethiopia: The Case of Sululta Mulo District
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Date
2007-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study examined the psychological and health consequences of harmful
traditional practices (HTPs) on children in Ethiopia with specific references to
Sululta Mulo District. The instruments used to collect the data were
questionnaire, focus group discussion (FGD) and interview. Hundred household
heads for questionnaire, six participants in the FGD, and ten interviewees were
involved in the study. In selecting the representative sample, stratified random
sampling technique was employed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and
percentage were employed to analyze the collected data. The results of the study
revealed that the magnitude/ prevalence/ of female genital mutilation, marriage
by abduction and corporal punishment is high. Where as the prevalence of early
marriage is moderate. The findings also indicated that although the population
accepted the practices for different reasons, neither of the practices are beneficial
rather they have negative effects on the psychological and health conditions of
children. Moreover, the results showed that exercising HTPs on children is the
violation of the fundamental rights of human beings.
Finally, it is recommended that intensive intervention activities should be done by
governmental and non-governmental organizations to reduce HTPS.
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Psychological aI'.d Health Consequences