Prevalence and associated factors of Female Genital Mutilation among reproductive age women’s of Wolayita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is estimated to have been practiced on at least 200 million girls and women in 30 countries around the world. Clitoridoctomy is the most common type of FGM in Ethiopia. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of Female Genital Mutilation and associated factors among women’s of Wolayita zone. Methods: A community-based quantitative cross-sectional study was used. Face-to-face interviews with prepared questionnaires were used to collect data. SPSS version 20 software was used to analyze the data. The prevalence of FGM was determined using descriptive statistics. The researchers utilized a bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model to find independent determinants of FGM. Result: 296 women were undergone FGM out of a total of 333, indicating that FGM is prevalent in the research area (88.9%). Age (AOR-1.86, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98) and support to reduce sexual due to hyperactivity (AOR: 14.595, 95% CI: 3.391-6.807) were all independently linked to FGM. Conclusion: An integrated effort administrative and surrounding community intervention to be initiated to alleviate FGM practices through empowering women, discouraging risky factors like traditions; and sensitizing parents, community members and the public focusing on the rejecting of FGM.