Peer-reviewed article

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

Keita KS, Sidibe T, Sall AO, Camara S, Barry F et al. · 8 Aug 2025

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.