Empirical linkages between female genital mutilation and multiple sexual partnership: Evidence from the 2018 Mali and 2013 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Surveys (2021)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Ahinkorah,B.,Hagan,J.,Seidu,A.,Budu,E.,Armah-Ansah,E.,Adu,C. and Yaya,S.
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: This study examined the linkages between FGM and multiple sexual partnership in Mali and Sierra Leone – two African countries with a high prevalence of FGM
Study Population: Women from DHS samples
Findings: In Mali,women who had not undergone FGM were less likely to have multiple sexual partners (aOR=0.60,CI=0.38–0.96) compared with those who had undergone FGM. In Sierra Leone,women who had undergone FGM (aOR=1.15,CI=1.02–1.30) were more likely to have multiple sexual partners compared with those who had not undergone FGM. Age,level of education,wealth quintile,sex of household head,community socioeconomic status,mass media exposure,and community literacy level were found to be associated with the likelihood of multiple sexual partnership among women in Mali and Sierra Leone. Comprehensive,age-group-based risk-reduction strategies,such as abstinence education and decision-making skills (assertiveness) training,are needed to reduce girls’ and young women’s engagement in multiple sexual partnerships. Policy interventions,such as anti-FGM legislation and initiatives like the ‘Schooling for the Female Child’ initiative aimed at reducing social inequality among girls and women,might help decrease FGM and the likelihood of health-compromising behaviours like multiple sexual partnership.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Mali,Sierra Leone