Prevalence and associated factors of female genital cutting among young adult females in Jigjiga district, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional mixed study

• DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s111091
• Publication Date: 2016-08-10T02:39:57Z
• Authors: Kidanu Gebremariam; Demeke Assefa; Fitsum Weldegebreal
• Keywords: Somali; Discontinuation; Virginity test; Cross-sectional study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors female genital cutting (FGC) among young adult (10–24 years age) females in Jigjiga district, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional mixed method combining both quantitative qualitative research methods employed 679 randomly selected students from Somali regional state, Ethiopia, February March 2014 with FGC. pretested structured questionnaire used collect data. data were collected using focus group discussion. Results: This depicted that FGC respondents found be 82.6%. dominant form type I FGC, 265 (49.3%). majority respondents, 575 (88.3%), had good knowledge toward bad effects Four hundred seven (62.7%) participants positive attitude discontinuation. Religion, residence, respondents’ educational level, maternal education, attitude, belief religious requirement most significant predictors possible reasons for practice keep virginity, improve social acceptance, have better marriage prospects, approval, hygiene. Conclusion: Despite girls’ still high. There should a concerted effort women, men, leaders, other concerned bodies understanding clarifying wrong attachment between religion through behavioral change communication advocacy at all levels. Keywords: cutting, prevalence, adult,