Changes in the prevalence and trends of female genital mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan region between 2011 and 2018
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Authors
Shabila, Nazar P.
Issue Date
2021-04-01
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Female Genital Mutilation , Prevalence , Trend , Decline , Education
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is commonly practiced in Iraqi Kurdistan Region, where there are
extensive eforts to combat the practice over the last decade. This study aimed to determine the trends and changes
in the FGM prevalence in Iraq between 2011 and 2018 and assess their associated factors.
Methods: Secondary data analysis of the Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2011 and 2018 was carried out to
calculate the prevalence and the relative changes in the prevalence of FGM for 2011 and 2018 by governorate. The
change in the prevalence was compared with the changes in other exposure variables such as age, education level,
wealth, and area of residence over the same period.
Results: The prevalence of FGM in 2018 was high in Erbil and Suleimaniya governorates (50.1% and 45.1%). The
prevalence of FGM decreased remarkably from 2011 to 2018 in all governorates of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The
decrease in the prevalence was statistically signifcant in Erbil and Suleimaniya. FGM prevalence declined remarkably
in all age, education level, residence area groups, and most economic level groups. Such decline was associated with
a signifcant increase in the education level, wealth, and urban residence. The decline was highest in the younger age
groups, with a relative change of − 43.0% among 20–24 years and − 39.2% among 15–19 years. The decline was also
highest in those with secondary and higher education (relative change=−32%). The decline was higher in rural areas
than in urban areas (relative change=−35.3% and − 27.4%, respectively). The decline was higher among the poorest
and second wealth quintile (relative change=−38.8% and − 27.2%, respectively).
Conclusion: The trend of FGM in Iraqi Kurdistan Region declined remarkably and signifcantly from 2011 to 2018.
Further decline is predicted because of having lower rates and a higher decline in the younger age groups. However,
the rates remained high in Erbil and Suleimaniya governorates that need further intensifying the preventive measures.
The education level of women plays a primary role in decreasing the prevalence and should be considered in future
eforts to ban the practice.
Description
Citation
Shabila N. P. (2021). Changes in the prevalence and trends of female genital mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan Region between 2011 and 2018. BMC women's health, 21(1), 137. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01282-9
Publisher
BMC Women's Health