Factors Associated with Abandoning the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Guinea: A Secondary Analysis of 2018 Demographic and Health Survey Data

Abstract

Introduction: Despite national efforts, Guinea remains one of the countries with a high prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM). The objective of this study is to identify the factors associated with the abandonment of FGM I, Guinea.Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from the 2018 Guinea Demographic and Health Survey. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors.Results: A total of 9858 women were included in this study. Of these, 2,743 were in favor of abandoning FGM. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that young adolescent girls, higher education, the richest wealth quintile, and Kissi ethnic group as well as living in the Faranah region were statistically associated with the abandonment of FGM. Conclusion:The schooling of young girls and especially their retention in school until graduation and women's empowerment (often linked to a higher wealth quintile) would reduce female genital mutilation. Added to this is the awareness of the community and key people in the decisionmaking process.