OP22 The global prevalence of female genital mutilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of nationally representative studies (2021)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Farouki L, Dirani ZE, Abdulrahim S,et al
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: This systematic review examined the prevalence of FGM and its subtypes globally,by WHO region,and by country.
Study Population: N/A
Findings: Out of 3205 articles identified in the search,28 nationally representative studies were included in the meta-analysis,and these studies included estimates for women and girls in 27 and 34 countries,respectively.The pooled prevalence estimate of FGM in women aged 15–49 was 40% (95% CI:26–55%; I2 =100%) and 15% (95% CI:10–21%; I2 =100%) in girls aged 0–14 years old. The country with the highest FGM prevalence in women was Guinea (97%) and the lowest,Uganda (0.3%). The highest prevalence in girls was in Mali (77%),and the lowest in Ghana (0%). The most common FGM type was having flesh removed,at 69% (95% CI:59–79%) of women and 70% (95% CI: 55–84%) of girls,followed by having the genital area sewn shut with 11% of women (95% CI:4–20%) and 9% of girls (95% CI:6–12%). The pooled prevalence by WHO region was 39% (95% CI: 24–56%) for women and 15% (95% CI:9–22%) for girls in Africa,and 52% (95% CI:8–93%) for women and 20% (95% CI:6–39%) for girls in the Eastern Mediterranean.Conclusion There is large global variation in FGM,with the Eastern Mediterranean region recording the highest prevalence. Reassuringly,FGM is lower among girls,highlighting a declining trend in the practice. Some included reports may have underestimated FGM prevalence in girls due to continued risk; future studies should use age cohort analyses to monitor decline. Policy and community-level interventions are needed to meet SDG target 5.3.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Not specified
Country(ies):Not specified