Hotspots of female genital mutilation/cutting and associated factors among girls in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis (2021)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Geremew,T.T.,Azage,M. & Mengesha,E.W
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the spatial pattern and factors affecting FGM/C among girls in Ethiopia.
Study Population: The study population of this study were all girls aged 0–14 years in the randomly selected enumeration areas (EAs) of Ethiopia. Girls from the EAs with no geographical coordinates were excluded from this study.
Findings: Spatial clustering of FGM/C was observed (Moran’s I = 0.31, p-value < 0.01),and eight significant clusters of FGM/C (hotspots) were detected. The most likely primary SaTScan cluster was detected in the neighborhood areas of Amhara,Afar,Tigray and Oromia regions (LLR = 279.0, p < 0.01),the secondary cluster in Tigray region (LLR = 67.3,p < 0.01),and the third cluster in Somali region (LLR = 55.5, P < 0.01). In the final best fit model,about 83% variation in the odds of FGM/C was attributed to both individual and community level factors. At individual level,older maternal age,higher number of living children,maternal circumcision,perceived beliefs as FGM/C are required by religion,and supporting the continuation of FGM/C practice were factors to increase the odds of FGM/C,whereas,secondary or higher maternal education,better household wealth,and regular media exposure were factors decreasing the odds of FGM/C. Place of residency,Region and Ethnicity were also among the community level factors associated with FGM/C.In this study,spatial clustering of FGM/C among girls was observed in Ethiopia,and FGM/C hotspots were detected in Afar,Amhara,Tigray,Benishangul Gumuz,Oromia,SNNPR and Somali regions including Dire Dawa Town. Both individual and community level factors play a significant role in the practice of FGM/C. Hence,FGM/C hotspots require priority interventions,and it is also better if the targeted interventions consider both individual and community level factors
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Ethiopia