Factors determining whether Ethiopian women support continuation of female genital mutilation

To examine the factors influencing the opinions of women about whether female genital mutilation (FGM) should continue in Ethiopia.

Data from questionnaire surveys of women (n=11375) collected during the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed. Factors influencing the opinions of women concerning whether FGM should continue as a practice in Ethiopia were examined using multiple logistic regression.

Women who believed that FGM should continue were more likely to be aged 15-24years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.05-1.41); rural residents (OR, 2.73; CI, 2.38-3.12); Muslim (OR, 1.98; CI,1.80-2.17); married (OR, 1.26; CI, 1.09-1.46); uneducated (OR, 2.85; CI, 2.51-3.23); circumcised (OR, 3.46 CI, 2.94-4.06); and to have had no exposure to mass media (OR,1.57; CI,1.41-1.75).

To change the opinions of women regarding FGM, specific education and prevention programs should be designed to target these demographic groups of women.