Assessing factors that support the abandonment of female genital mutilation in Ethiopia

This study assessed both demographic and Social Ecological Model (SEM) variables associated with supporting the abandonment of female genital mutilation (FGM) in three regions of Ethiopia. Data were collected through structured quantitative questionnaires with study participants (n=1146), including adolescent girls, caregivers, social network contacts, and community influentials. Data were analyzed using the statistical software STATA/SE. Chi-square, binary logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results found the one significant association between support for FGM abandonment and demographic variables was having an education above secondary level (AOR=0.11, CI=0.01-0.92). For SEM variables, attitudes regarding identity (AOR=5.74, CI=1.42-23.11), expectation to abandon (AOR=56.88, CI=14.99-215.90), sanctions (AOR=23.00, CI=4.77-110.95), and social networks (AOR=4.61, CI=1.21-17.51) were found to be significant factors in supporting FGM abandonment. Programs should intervene on multiple levels of the SEM and focus on social norms to empower and mobilize communities toward the elimination of FGM.