Prevalence Of Female Genital Mutilation Research Articles

Female genital mutilation and its associated factors among adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania: analysis of the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (2022 TDHS-MIS)

IntroductionThe morbidity and mortality associated with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) have been clearly documented. Controlling and eventually eradication this practice is very important. Despite a loud call from the WHO and other international organisations, there are extensive nationalities and societies from both developed and developing countries still practising FGM. Understanding the current magnitude and associated factors in Tanzania may bring more light for possible interventions intended to control FGM. This study is timely for this aim.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of female genital mutilation and its associated factors among adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania.MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted on data from the 2022 Tanzanian Demographic and Health Survey. The weighted sample included in this study was 2965 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years. Data analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 software. The strength of the association was assessed using the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) along with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe overall prevalence of FGM among adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania was 4.9% (95% CI = 3.37, 6.97). The prevalence varied significantly across the zones, ranging from < 1% in both Zanzibar and Southern zones to 19.7% in the Northern zone. Moreover, the results revealed that factors associated with FGM were rural areas (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.80, 5.44); no education (aOR = 11.59, 95% CI = 4.97, 27.03); poor (aOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.20, 4.83); unskilled manuals (aOR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.97, 7.15); continued FGM (aOR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.62, 9.18); FGM required by religion (aOR = 8.5, 95% CI = 3.15, 22.96) and watching television at least once a week (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.70, 1.56) among adolescents and young women in Tanzania.ConclusionFemale genital mutilation among adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years in Tanzania has decreased slightly between 2015/16 and 2022 from 5.9% to 4.9% respectively. This was mostly associated with education level, place of residence, occupation, wealth index, mass media exposure, attitudes towards FGM. More tailored programs focusing on high prevalence zones targeting adolescent girls and young women are needed to end female genital mutilation by 2030.

A retrospective analysis of the trends in the prevalence of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Nigeria 2011–2021

ABSTRACT Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is widely acknowledged globally as a violation of the fundamental human rights of girls and women. FGM is still widely practiced in Nigeria but at diminishing rates. Primary care physicians must educate and campaign to end this hazardous practice in Nigeria, especially in high-incidence areas. This study fills the knowledge gap by identifying FGM determinants to help policymakers reduce it. Method: The study employed a retrospective cross-sectional design using data from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund for 2011, 2016–2017, and 2021. The sampling involved multistage cluster sampling. Data analysis utilized IBM-SPSS, presenting FGM prevalence across years and exploring associations with various factors. Results: This study analyzed 63,365 Nigerian women across a decade (2011, 2016–2017, and 2021). FGM awareness fluctuated (35.1% in 2016–2017, 33.0% in 2011, and 31.9% in 2021), while FGM prevalence increased from 46.6% (2011) to 69.5% (2021). Education correlated with lower FGM prevalence. Geographic disparities were observed, with the Southwest having the highest (70.1%) and the Northeast having the lowest (34.5%) prevalence. Religion influenced FGM rates, with Christians (54.2%) and those with other/no religion (58.0%) showing higher rates than Muslims (52.6%). Urban women had a slightly lower prevalence (52.6%) than rural women (54.2%), and wealth quintiles displayed variations. Variability was also evident among states, ranging from 2.0% to 86.3%. Daughters’ circumcision was influenced by maternal circumcision status, education, region, religion, and wealth quintile. Common FGM procedures involved removing genital flesh (63.7%) and nicking without removal (55.1%), often performed by nurses/midwives (63.7%). Conclusion: The study emphasized the urgent need for continuous awareness campaigns and education to combat FGM among Nigerian women. Education emerged as a critical factor in reducing FGM, highlighting the importance of investing in girls’ education.

Comparison of FGM prevalence among Nigerian women aged 15–49 years using two household surveys conducted before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDue to its economic burden and change of focus, there is no gainsaying of the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the progress of several female genital mutilation (FGM) interventions across the various countries. However, the magnitude of the potential changes in likelihood and prevalence should be more accurately explored and quantified using a statistically robust comparative study. In this study, we examined the differences in the likelihood and prevalence of FGM among 15-49 years old women before and after the pandemic in Nigeria.MethodsWe used advanced Bayesian hierarchical models to analyse post-COVID-19 datasets provided by the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS 2021) and pre-COVID-19 data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS 2018).ResultsResults indicated that although there was an overall decline in FGM prevalence nationally, heterogeneities exist at state level and at individual-/community-level characteristics. There was a 6.9% increase in prevalence among women who would like FGM to continue within the community. FGM prevalence increased by 18.9% in Nasarawa, while in Kaduna there was nearly 40% decrease.ConclusionsResults show that FGM is still a social norm issue in Nigeria and that it may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The methods, data and outputs from this study would serve to provide accurate statistical evidence required by policymakers for complete eradication of FGM.

Female genital mutilation: trends, economic burden of delay and basis for public health interventions.

The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is a health and social problem. Millions of girls and women have undergone FGM or will soon, and more information is needed to effectively reduce the practice. The aim of this research is to provide an overview of the FGM trendlines, the inequality of its prevalence, and the economic burden. The findings shed light on 30-year trends and the impact of the pandemic on planned efforts to reduce FGM which helps with public health interventions. Temporal trend analysis, and graphical analysis were used to assess the change and inequality over the last 30 years. We included 27 countries in which FGM is prevalent. We calculated the extra economic burden of delayed interventions to reduce FGM like COVID-19. For the 27 countries analyzed for temporal trendlines, 13 countries showed no change over time while 14 had decreasing trends. Among the 14, nine countries, Uganda, Togo, Ghana, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Chad, and Ethiopia had high year-decrease (CAGR - 1.01 and - 10.26) while five, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Gambia, Djibouti, and Mali had low year-decrease (CAGR>-1 and < 0). Among these five are the highest FGM prevalence similar distribution regardless the wealth quintiles or residence. There is an economic burden of delay or non-decline of FGM that could be averted. Findings indicate that some countries show a declining trend over time while others not. It can be observed that there is heterogeneity and homogeneity in the FGM prevalence within and between countries which may indicate inequality that deserves further investigation. There is considerable economic burden due to delays in the implementation of interventions to reduce or eliminate FGM. These insights can help in the preparation of public health interventions.

The Quest for Female Economic Empowerment in Sub-Saharan African Countries: Implications on Gender-Based Violence

Recent empirical literature has focused on the social aspect of gender-based violence regarding domestic violence and physical abuse while the implications of economic empowerment in an attempt to reduce gender-based violence remain under-researched. This study investigated the connection between female economic empowerment and factors that could reduce gender-based violence in sub-Saharan African countries. We used the panel fully modified least squares estimation method to investigate the long-run implications. The gender inequality index, the female genital mutilation prevalence, and the number of female children out of school were used as proxies for gender-based violence. Likewise, economic empowerment was a proxy for female economic participation; it was replaced by female employment for the robustness test. Evidence from the panel fully modified least squares estimation showed that female economic empowerment had a negative relationship with the gender inequality index, the number of female children out of primary school, and female genital mutilation. We concluded that an increase in the economic power of females through increased economic participation could reduce gender-based violence in the long run. Based on these findings, this study recommends policies to improve the situation. This study shifts attention to the macro-connection between factors that can reduce GBV and increase female economic empowerment in selected areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

Prevalence of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women and girls in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation (FGM) has zero health benefits. It can lead to short- and long-term risks and complications, including physical, sexual, and mental health and well-being of girls and women. It is a worldwide public health issue with more than 80% prevalence in Africa. It is a global imperative to strengthen work for the elimination, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) strives to eliminate FGM and monitor the progress made. However, one of a challenge in tracking progress is establishing baseline prevalence data within regions and countries. Therefore, this review aimed to pool the prevalence of FGM in Africa and identify the promoting factors among women and girls.MethodsThis review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist guideline. Both published and unpublished studies conducted from 2012 onwards were eligible. Studies written in non-English languages were excluded. To retrieve relevant studies; PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, African Journals Online databases, and African Index Medicus (AIM) were searched using a combination of searching terms. The Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale (NOS) tool was used to assess the quality of each included study. The Cochran’s Q chi-square and I2 statistical tests were used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the included studies. The Funnel plot and Egger's regression test (p value < 0.05) were used to evaluate meh publication bias. We used STATA for analysis and the overall and subgroup pooled effect size was estimated using the random effect model with DerSimonian and Laired pooled effect method. The overall prevalence of FGM and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95%CI (confidence interval) for contributing factors were calculated and presented using a forest plot.ResultThis study included 155 primary studies conducted on the prevalence and/or factors associated with FGM in Africa. The pooled prevalence of FGM was 56.4% (95%CI 49.7–63.6). The primary factors promoting the practice of FGM were family history of circumcision (AOR = 13.71, 95%CI 9.11−20.62), being a Muslim religion follower (AOR = 3.51, 95%CI 2.61−4.71), poor wealth index (AOR = 1.38, 95%CI1.27−1.51), higher age (AOR = 2.95, 95%CI 2.49−3.38), not attending formal education (AOR = 3.28, 95%CI 2.62−4.12), and rural residency (AOR = 2.27, 95%CI 1.84−2.80).ConclusionThe prevalence of FGM in Africa was found to be high. This study also observed a variation in FGM prevalence across regions and countries and a slight temporal decline over the study period. As the global community enters the final decade dedicated to eliminating FGM, there remains much to be done to achieve the elimination goal.

The comparison of sexual function in types I and II of female genital mutilation

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation has many sexual, physical, and psychological consequences. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), and Sexual Function among circumcised women in Sardasht City, Iran.”MethodsIn this present cross-sectional study, 197 women who were mutilated entered the study by simple random sampling from two healthcare centers in Sardasht, Iran. A gynecologist first performed a genital examination to identify the type of female genital mutilation of participants. Subsequently, Socio-demographic and FGM/C-related characteristics checklist and the female sexual function index questionnaire were completed by interview method. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software.ResultsType I and II of female genital mutilation were performed in 73.1 and 26.9% of the participants, respectively. The age range of performing female genital mutilation in type I and II of female genital mutilation was 4–10 years old in 67.4% and 71.1% respectively. Traditional practitioners/local women carried out the circumcision in all of the participants, and Sunnah/tradition was reported as the most common reason for doing this procedure. The average total score of FSFI index in type I and II of female genital mutilation was 23.5 ± 2.0 and 17.4 ± 2.39, respectively. In all domains of FSFI, women with type II of female genital mutilation obtained lower scores than women with type I.ConclusionCircumcised women have reduced scores in all domains of FSFI, and the severity of sexual dysfunction is related to the type of FGM/C. Considering the prevalence of female genital mutilation and its adverse effects, it is imperative to initiate cultural improvements through education and awareness. By educating and raising awareness among individuals about this issue, we can foster positive changes and address the problem effectively.

Female genital mutilation and safer sex negotiation among women in sexual unions in sub-Saharan Africa: Analysis of demographic and health survey data.

The practice of female genital mutilation is associated with harmful social norms promoting violence against girls and women. Various studies have been conducted to examine the prevalence of female genital mutilation and its associated factors. However, there has been limited studies conducted to assess the association between female genital mutilation and markers of women's autonomy, such as their ability to negotiate for safer sex. In this study, we examined the association between female genital mutilation and women's ability to negotiate for safer sex in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We pooled data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted from 2010 to 2020. Data from a sample of 50,337 currently married and cohabiting women from eleven sub-Saharan African countries were included in the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between female genital mutilation and women's ability to refuse sex and ask their partners to use condom. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present the findings of the logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Female genital mutilation was performed on 56.1% of women included in our study. The highest and lowest prevalence of female genital mutilation were found among women from Guinea (96.3%) and Togo (6.9%), respectively. We found that women who had undergone female genital mutilation were less likely to refuse sex from their partners (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.96) and ask their partners to use condoms (aOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.86) compared to those who had not undergone female genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation hinders women's ability to negotiate for safer sex. It is necessary to implement health education and promotion interventions (e.g., decision making skills) that assist women who have experienced female genital mutilation to negotiate for safer sex. These interventions are crucial to enhance sexual health outcomes for these women. Further, strict enforcement of policies and laws aimed at eradicating the practice of female genital mutilation are encouraged to help contribute to the improvement of women's reproductive health.

The women's health needs study among women from countries with high prevalence of female genital mutilation living in the United States: Design, methods, and participant characteristics.

The Women's Health Needs Study (WHNS) collected information on the health characteristics, needs, and experiences, including female genital mutilation (FGM) experiences, attitudes, and beliefs, of women aged 18 to 49 years who were born, or whose mothers were born, in a country where FGM is prevalent living in the US. The purpose of this paper is to describe the WHNS design, methods, strengths and limitations, as well as select demographic and health-related characteristics of participants. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from November 2020 -June 2021 in four US metropolitan areas, using a hybrid venue-based sampling (VBS) and respondent-driven sampling (RDS) approach to identify women for recruitment. Of 1,132 participants, 395 were recruited via VBS and 737 RDS. Most were born, or their mothers were born, in either a West African country (Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, The Gambia) (39.0%) or Ethiopia (30.7%). More than a third were aged 30-39 years (37.5%) with a majority who immigrated at ages ≥13 years (86.6%) and had lived in the United States for ≥5 years (68.9%). Medicaid was the top health insurer (52.5%), followed by private health insurance (30.5%); 17% of participants had no insurance. Nearly half of women reported 1-2 healthcare visits within the past 12 months (47.7%). One in seven did not get needed health care due to cost (14.8%). Over half have ever used contraception (52.1%) to delay or avoid pregnancy and 76.9% had their last pelvic and/or Papanicolaou (pap) exam within the past 3 years. More than half experienced FGM (55.0%). Nearly all women believed that FGM should be stopped (92.0%). The VBS/RDS approach enabled recruitment of a diverse study population. WHNS advances research related to the health characteristics, needs, and experiences of women living in the US from countries where FGM is prevalent.

Evaluating the long-term impact of large-scale trainings: an exposure based cross-sectional study on female genital mutilation-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among Sudanese midwives in Khartoum State

ObjectivesTo examine the long-term impact of large-scale training targeting midwives in a setting where they are the main female genital mutilation (FGM) practitioners. We hypothesised that trained midwives would have...

PREVALENCE ET FACTEURS ASSOCIES AUX MUTILATIONS GENITALES FEMININES CHEZ LES ADOLESCENTES DE 10 à 19 ANS DANS LES COMMUNES DE GUEDIAWAYE, KOLDA ET KAOLACK (SENEGAL) EN 2021

introduction: Female genital mutilation is the partial or complete removal of a woman’s external genitalia without therapeutic indication. Nearly two million girls and women underwent female genital mutilation in Senegal in 2019. We thought it appropriate to study the factors associated with female genital mutilation among teenage girls.methodology :This research used a mixed method with a quantitative and a qualitative component. The quantitative component targeted adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 in the communes of Guédiawaye in the west of the country, Kaolack in the centre and Kolda in the south. It was a cross-sectional survey based on a stratified systematic random sample. Descriptive, bivariate with an alpha risk of 5% and multivariate analyses were performed. The qualitative component was based on a case study with a reasoned choice of targets of adolescent girls and their parents in application of the principle of diversification. results :The study included 940 teenage girls with an average age of 67 months. The majority lived in rural areas (70.2%) and belonged to the Al Poular ethnic group (38.7%). The proportion of participants who had been circumcised was 29.7%. The risk of circumcision was higher in male-headed households (ORa=1.61 [1.04- 2.50]), in rural areas (ORa=15.2 [8.69- 28.0]) of Al Poular origin (ORa=12.5 [8.33- 20.0]) and in households of wealth according to welfare quintile (ORa=8.41 [4.51-15.69]).Conclusion :The prevalence of female genital mutilation among adolescent girls in Senegal has been constant for over twenty years. Awareness-raising strategies targeting wealthy households in rural areas, headed by men and of Al Poular origin, will be necessary if social norms in favour of abandonment are to progress.

Prevalence of female genital mutilation and associated factors among daughters aged 0-14 years in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of recent demographic health surveys.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful traditional practice involving the partial or total removal of external genitalia for non-medical reasons. Despite efforts to eliminate it, more than 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM, and 3 million more undergo this practice annually. Tracking the prevalence of FGM and identifying associated factors are crucial to eliminating the practice. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FGM and associated factors among daughters aged 0-14 years. The most recent Demographic Health Survey Data (DHS) datasets from sub-Saharan African countries were used for analysis. A multilevel modified Poisson regression analysis model was applied to identify factors associated with FGM. Data management and analysis were performed using STATA-17 software, and the pooled prevalence and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The study included a weighted sample of 123,362 participants. The pooled prevalence of FGM among daughters aged 0-14 years in sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 22.9% (95% CI: 16.2-29.6). The daughter's place of birth (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.48-0.62), mother's age (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.4-2.11), father's education (AOR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98), mother's perception about FGM (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.35-0.48), FGM as a religious requirement (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12-1.35), mother's age at circumcision (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23), residing in rural areas (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05-1.19), and community literacy level (AOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98) were factors associated with FGM. The high prevalence of FGM among daughters aged 0-14 years in sub-Saharan Africa indicates the need for intensified efforts to curb this practice. Addressing the associated factors identified in this study through targeted interventions and policy implementation is crucial to eradicate FGM and protect the rights and well-being of girls.

Prevalence, consequences of female genital mutilation among asylum seekers in Ile-de-France and socio-demographic characteristics

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is an intervention on the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. In France, asylum is possible for girls at risk of FGM in their country of origin. The procedure includes a forensic examination of the child. To describe the prevalence of FGM and the sociodemographic characteristics of girls and their mothers examined at the Department of Forensic Medicine of Paris. Between 2018 and 2021, 2422 family interviews were conducted. The mothers were mainly from Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea Conakry. A FGM was found in 84.4% of the 1838 women examined, mostly of type IIb. The mothers reported immediate complications (21.2%: hemorrhage, pain) and long-term complications (31.8%: sexual disorders, obstetrical complications) due to these FGM. The families often included several children, and 3307 girls were examined. They were mostly born in France (72.0%). An FGM was identified in 61 of these girls (1.8%, mostly type IIb); it was already known by the family in half of the cases. Three of these girls were born in Europe. FGM is a public health problem on a global scale, but also in France due to migratory pathways. This descriptive study carried out an initial medical assessment of FSM in female asylum seekers examined at the Department of Forensic Medicine of Paris, and difficulties in the diagnosis of FSM. Other studies are useful to corroborate and compare our results.

Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation at Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt

Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation at Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt

Female Genital Mutilation: Females' Intention in Northern Upper Egypt

Background: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting is an ancient cultural practice, predating the Bible and therefore the Koran, and has no basis in any religion. It is related to deep social and cultural ideas impeded in several societies regarding femininity and modesty because it is viewed as girls clean and delightful only after being genitally cut. FGM/C is additionally viewed as a protection of virginity, and it prevents premarital sex. Aim: The present study was carried find out to assess Females' Intention in Northern Upper Egypt regarding Female Genital Mutilation. Subject &amp; Methods: A Descriptive Cross-sectional study was used. The study was conducted in family health centers (FHCs) in different sitting at Beni-Suef Governorate. A Convenient sample was used. А Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet which includes three sections: Socio-demographic data, Intention to practice FGM/C, and Causes for intention or not to practicing FGM/C. Results: The mean age of the studied participants was 22.6±5. Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation is 71.4percentage, 29.7percentage of participants are suffering from complications after FGM. About 28.6percentage of females who had mutilated their daughters were planning to mutilate their other daughters in the future. More than one-third of females (35.5percentage) had an unfavorable attitude and 40.5percentage had poor levels of knowledge regarding FGM/C. 71.3percentage of females mentioned that the source of their information about FGM/C was their personal experience. Conclusion: Northern Upper Egyptian Females' Intention regarding intention of mutilating their daughters was significantly affected by demographic characteristics, level of knowledge, and level of attitude, source information, exposure to complications or pressure from family and neighbors. Recommendations: Alleviate females' intention toward Female Genital Mutilation should be improving their awareness regarding complications and Egyptian law against FGM, established by improve females' resistance toward family or neighbor regarding bad and harmful traditions.

Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Northern Upper Egypt

Background: The utilization of the word “mutilation” reinforces the very fact that the practice may be a serious violation of girls' and women's rights. This term also establishes a transparent distinction from male circumcision and emphasizes the gravity and harmfulness of the act. Although FGM is practiced in some communities within the belief that it's a religious requirement, research shows that FGM predates Islam and Christianity. Aim: the study was conducted to assess Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Northern Upper Egypt. 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. Α Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet was used to collect data. Results: Most of the studied participants were rural residents (70.4%). Non-mutilated females constituted 28.6% of the studied females. About 81.3% and 44.5% of circumcised females are from rural and married females. There was a significant association between the illiteracy of father and mother and rural residence and the FGM by barber and dayah. Conclusion: The prevalence of FGM/C is still high despite the health consequences of the procedure. Recommendations: Design and disseminate brochures work on the health effect of female genital mutilation in health centers and hospitals.

The Practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Africa And the Challenges Facing Its Eradication: Nigeria As A Case Study

Female genital mutilation (FGM) has continued to thrive across several countries of the world, remaining a rampant practice despite humanitarian and public health efforts to abolish it. FGM is currently estimated to affect over 200 million females globally, with Nigeria having the highest absolute numbers of cases of FGM in Africa. This review highlights the prevalence of FGM in Nigeria and across Africa, using the latest data available through PubMed and other electronic database with the aid of Google search engine. It aims to discuss the impacts of the humanitarian efforts and national policies toward the abolition of FGM in Nigeria over the years as well as the challenges facing the abandonment of this practice. Studies have shown a decline in the prevalence of FGM over the years, however it still continues to thrive and pose significant public health challenge in Nigeria and across Africa, violating fundamental human rights of women and the girl-child. Socio-cultural belief has been found to contribute significantly to the continuity of this harmful practice. Ensuring the implementation of essential government policies, inter-sectorial collaborations and the continuous sensitization of the general public are vital to the elimination of FGM in Nigeria and across Africa.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of female health care service providers on female genital mutilation in Somalia: A cross-sectional study.

Despite a strong international standpoint against female genital mutilation, the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Somalia is extremely high. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of female genital mutilation among female health care service providers in order to formulate appropriate policies and programs to eliminate this harmful practice. Facility-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2019 among female doctors and nurses working in Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia. A total of 144 female health care service providers were randomly selected, and data were collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed by using the statistical software SPSS (Version 21), and qualitative data were analyzed thematically in accordance with the objectives of the study. The study found that about three-fifths of the respondents had undergone some forms of female genital mutilation during their life. An overwhelming majority believed that female genital mutilation practices were medically harmful, and a majority of them expressed their opinion against the medicalization of the practice of female genital mutilation. The study also observed a significant association between participants' age and their negative attitudes regarding the legalization of female genital mutilation. Health care service providers' effort is critical to eliminating this harmful practice from the Somalian society. Strong policy commitment and a comprehensive health-promotion effort targeting the parents and community leaders are essential to avert the negative impact of female genital mutilation.

Female Genital Mutilation: Impact on Knowledge, Attitude, Sexual Score Domains and Intention of Females in Northern Upper Egypt

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting is extensively done in societies where it is believed to promote marriageability. As a result, the practice of FGM/C will continue because parents believe it will provide a better future for their daughters, and some girls may even desire to be mutilated to find a husband. Aim: The aim of this study was Estimate effect of FGM on Females' knowledge, Attitude, Sexual Score Domains, and Intention in Northern Upper Egypt. Subject &amp; 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. Tool: Α Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet was used to collect data related females' knowledge, attitude, and intention. Female Sexual Function Index (FSDI) to assess female sexual function. Results: The prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C) among total participants at Beni-Suef is 71.4%. Good knowledge score (27%) was more prevalent among non-mutilated females. Unfavorable and neutral attitude score (49.3%) was more prevalent among females with FGM. that there was a significantly higher Desire domain (5.8±1.8), Arousal domain (13.7±2.9), Lubrication domain (16±3.4), Orgasm domain (11.7±2.6), Satisfaction domain (13.3±2.4), and Total score among not circumcised married participants than circumcised ones but the Pain domain didn't differ significantly between circumcised (9.7±3.3), and not circumcised (9.3±2.2). About 79.4% of females who experienced FGM/C had the intention to mutilate their daughters in the future. Conclusion: Good knowledge score was more prevalent among non-mutilated females. There was a significant relationship between FGM and knowledge, attitude, Sexual Score Domains, and intention to mutilate their daughters in the future (p-value &lt;0.001).

Female genital mutilation practice, associated factors, and its consequences on women’s reproductive health in Senegal

Female genital mutilation (FGM) practice is unhygienic and unhealthy traditional practices which have affected girls and women’s health adversely for all-time, and such practice is prevalent in many African countries. This study intended to examine factors associated with the FGM prevalence, attitudes toward the discontinuation of the practice, and consequences of FGM practice on reproductive health in terms of sexual transmitted infections/symptoms (STIs/STSs) among women of reproductive ages in Senegal. To fulfill the study objective on factors associated the prevalence of FGM and attitudes toward the continuation of FGM practice, the 2019 Senegal Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data sets were used based on binary logit and multinomial logit regression models. The results show that rural areas, married women, women of Muslim religion, Poular women, women of lower education and lower wealth, and women who were never exposed to social media reported a higher prevalence rate of FGM and were more likely to support continuation of FGM practice. To fulfill the research goal on consequences of FGM practice on STIs/STSs, the 2010 – 2011 DHS was employed because the 2019 DHS did not collect data on STIs/STSs. FGM practice was associated with lower knowledge about STIs/STSs and higher prevalence of STIs/STSs. Our findings suggest that education promotion, poverty reduction, rural development, and dissemination of the adverse consequences of FGM practice could help reduce FGM practices. These findings could have important implications for achieving the sustainable development goals.