Factors associated with infibulation among girls who underwent female genital mutilation in Guinea: Analysis DHS 2018

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM), especially infibulation, is a significant public health issue that poses numerous health risks for young girls. Despite its severity, this phenomenon remains under-documented.

Aim: This study aims to identify the factors associated with infibulation among girls who underwent FGM in Guinea.

Setting: This study was conducted in Guinea.

Method: A secondary analysis of data from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Guinea included 3950 women whose daughters had undergone female genital mutilation or excision (FGM/E). A multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with infibulation using the Stata software version 17.

Results: The overall prevalence of infibulation among girls who underwent female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) in Guinea was 16%. This prevalence was higher at 17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.1–0.2]) among girls aged 0 years to 4 years. Statistically significant individual and contextual factors included: maternal age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4, 95% CI: [1.1–2.6]), maternal employment status (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: [1.3–2.2]), maternal religion (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: [1.2–5.8]), maternal infibulation status (OR = 22.1, 95% CI: [16.6–29.4]) and region of residence (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: [1.6–4.8]).

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for educational, socio-economic and public health strategies to eradicate infibulation in Guinea and promote sustainable change.

Contribution: This research revealed the influence of individual and contextual factors on infibulation and highlighted the emergency of targeted strategies, such as awareness raising, community dialogue and education about its risks.