Pupils’, teachers’ and parents’ perception of the influence of circumcision on academic performance: a case of Webuye division of Bungoma district, Kenya

Abstract

Circumcision as a rite of passage among the Bukusu people of Bungoma District is primarily meant to serve as a transition from childhood. Only boys are circumcised although girls are active participants in the preparations preceding the surgery. The boys are basically in the early puberty and in upper primary school. More than half the number of children enrolled in school drop out before completing their primary education. This was thought to have serious implications concerning the quality of labor produced which may have a direct effect on the quality of life in the area concerned. The dropout rate for boys was reported to be higher at 57.45% than that of the girls at 53.1% (Bungoma DDP 2002-2008). This study was conducted to investigate the perception of the influence of circumcision and related beliefs and practices on academic performance of primary school pupils in Webuye Division of Bungoma District. The study was based on the Eriksonian theory of Psychosocial Personality Development. The theory proposes that at every stage of life people go through crises, which must be adaptively resolved. The resolution involves a shift in perception that requires refocusing of instinctual energy in accordance with the needs of each stage of the life cycle. This necessitates a change in behavior and personality. The findings of this study will help teachers to understand the pupils‟ attitude towards circumcision and with that knowledge they can be able to plan their teaching programs to cater for their pupils‟ academic needs before and after the ceremonies. The government through the ministry of Education may formulate guidance and counseling programs that help to retain the youngsters in the education system by reducing the drop-out rates. The study was conducted as an ex-post-facto research with data being collected by use of questionnaires. The target population was 148840 primary school pupils and accessible population was 2440 class eight pupils. Eighteen schools were randomly selected so that 488 class eight pupils, thirty teachers and thirty parents formed the sample in which girls and boys were represented in the proportions in which they appeared in the population. The data was analyzed by use of two-way analysis of variance. Validity of instruments was established by expert judgement. A pilot study was conducted and using test-retest method reliability indices obtained as 0.82, 0.78 and0.91 for pupils, teachers and parents questionnaires respectively. Pupils, teachers and parents have a neutral perception of the influence of circumcision on academic performance. Pupils‟ perception is influenced by sex while teaching experience does not influence the teachers‟ perception. Male and female parents have no significant difference in their perception of the influence of circumcision on academic performance. There was improved academic performance after the ceremonies. Pupils actively take part and eagerly look forward to the next season. More research is required with a larger spectrum of subjects to investigate and establish the existing state and conditions prevailing in the schools during the circumcision ceremonies and factors that attract pupils to these ceremonies