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Prevalence and correlates of female genital mutilation among young women in selected sub-Saharan African countries: A pooled analysi

Langutani N. Miyambu(1), Boitshwarelo K.M. Ngake(2), Mluleki Tsawe(3), Stephina K. Mbele(4), Kagiso G. Phake(5), Tshediso V. Barwe(6), Maatla D. Temane(7),


(1) SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
(2) Department of Population Studies and Demography, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mafikeng, South Africa. Population and Health Research Focus Area, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mafikeng, South Africa
(3) Department of Population Studies and Demography, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mafikeng, South Africa. Population and Health Research Focus Area, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mafikeng, South Africa
(4) Department of Population Studies and Demography, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mafikeng, South Africa
(5) Department of Population Studies and Demography, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mafikeng, South Africa
(6) Centre for Health Policy and DST/NRF SARChI, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
(7) Centre for Health Policy and DST/NRF SARChI, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Corresponding Author

Abstract


A deeper understanding of the factors associated with female genital mutilation remains important in the fight against this practice, particularly in developing countries. This study focused on young women (15-35 years) and pooled analysis using DHS data (2015- 2019) for selected sub-Saharan African countries was done. The weighted study sample was 26289 and the data were analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate regression analysis. The results are based on information at the time of the survey. The overall prevalence of FGM among young women from the selected countries was 71.5%. Sierra Leone had the highest prevalence (83.7%), followed by Tanzania (80.8%), Ethiopia (73.0%), and Gambia (72.4%). The prevalence in Senegal and Guinea were both below 60%. We found that age, level of education, age at first marriage, parity, employment status, media exposure, and type of place of residence were statistically associated with FGM. This calls for targeted interventions focusing on increasing awareness, education, and empowerment for young women with low socio-economic status.

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