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544 reports · page 13 of 55

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC26 May 2026

Targeting a future generation free from female genital mutilation: A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study of an awareness intervention in central Tanzania.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) persists in Tanzania, with the Dodoma Region having the country's second-highest prevalence. This study evaluated a community-based educational intervention aimed at increasing FGM awareness and encouraging its abandonment among young adults (15-19 years) in Chamwino District, Dodoma, an important yet often overlooked group for fostering intergenerational change. We conducted a mixed-methods study with a primary quasi-experimental component: a single-arm, baseline-to-endline survey with a multi-stage cluster sample of 452 young adults who completed follow-up from schools and hospitals. Secondary components included a clinical audit of 3,770 delivering mothers to determine FGM prevalence and in-depth interviews with ten young adult mothers who had undergone FGM. The primary outcome was the change in the mean awareness score, analyzed using a paired t-test, with linear regression estimating associations with participants' demographics. Changes in binary secondary outcome measures were analyzed using McNemar's test, and the association between them was assessed with the chi-square test. The mean awareness score increased by 15.04 percentage points from 44.08% (SD = 15.85) at baseline to 59.12% (SD = 16.85), p < .001. At endline, 96.5% believed FGM is harmful, 50.9% reported its continuation, 97.6% knew it violates the human rights of girls and women, and 95.8% expressed a desire for abandonment. About 7.3% of women self-reported positive FGM status at baseline, while 16.6% were observed in 9-months. Qualitative analysis yielded three themes: 1) The hidden system, 2) Blood and lies, and 3) Intergenerational revolt. This theory-informed, community-engaged intervention significantly improved awareness and attitudes among more than 1,700 community members. However, qualitative findings revealed a persistent "hidden system" and a "critical power gap" among young adults, indicating awareness alone is insufficient. Sustainable abandonment requires integrating awareness campaigns with strategies that address structural power dynamics.

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC5 May 2026

Universal Female Genital Mutilation and High Burden of Infibulation in Mogadishu: Cross-Sectional Study on Severity, Types, and Associated Factors Among Adolescent Girls in Somalia.

Background and aims The study aimed to investigate the prevalence, determinants, types, severity, and perceived health consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among adolescent girls aged 12-19 in Mogadishu, Somalia. The primary objective was to quantify the burden of different FGM types and identify socio-cultural predictors. Methods A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 418 adolescent girls in four districts using a multi-stage cluster sampling method between March 2024 and June 2024. Data were classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of FGM severity. Multivariable ordered logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with severity, reporting adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The results showed a universal FGM prevalence (100%, n = 418/418) among participants. The most common form was Type I (67.0%, n = 280/418), followed by Type III (infibulation) (24.9%, n = 104/418) and Type II (8.1%, n = 34/418). Multivariate analysis revealed that higher maternal education was a significant protective factor. Compared to daughters of illiterate mothers, those whose mothers had primary education (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17-0.76; p = 0.008) or university-level education (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.19-0.93; p = 0.03) had lower odds of undergoing more severe FGM. Conversely, adolescents reporting no peer influence regarding FGM had significantly higher odds of experiencing more severe types (AOR = 3.86; 95% CI: 1.75-8.52; p < 0.001). Conclusion FGM is a universal practice among adolescent girls in Mogadishu, with a concerningly high prevalence of infibulation. Maternal education is a critical protective factor. Eradication efforts must prioritize female secondary and tertiary education and challenge the internalized social norms that sustain the practice, without external peer pressure.

Abdule AA, Omar MA, Hassan GD et al.

DevelopmentProtectionSORead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC7 Mar 2026

Primary dysmenorrhea and associated factors among female adolescents in Jinka town, Southern Ethiopia, 2024.

Primary dysmenorrhea is a major public health problem and the commonest cause of morbidity in reproductive age women. It affects the quality of life of adolescent girls causing decreased academic performance and productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Primary dysmenorrhea and associated factors among female adolescents in Jinka Town. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 30–August 20, 2024. Census was conducted to identify all eligible participants and simple random sampling technique was used to select 562 female adolescents. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using binary and multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was 71.5% with 95% CI (68.0–75.0%), Family history of dysmenorrhea AOR = 1.81 (95% CI (1.15–2.83), having premenstrual syndrome (AOR = 3.13 (95% CI (1.97–4.98)), sleeping ≤ 6 h per day (AOR = 2.73 (95% CI (1.23–6.03)), heavy menstrual periods AOR = 3.35 (95% CI (1.5–7.38)), skipping breakfast (AOR = 3.26 (95% CI (1.31–8.11)) and history of female genital mutilation AOR = 2.97 (95% CI (1.47–6.03)) had statistically significant association with the primary dysmenorrhea. This study found a high prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea. The factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea were family history of dysmenorrhea, the presence of premenstrual syndrome, skipping breakfast, sleeping ≤ 6 h per day, heavy menstrual flow, and history of female genital mutilation. Thus, efforts to prevent primary dysmenorrhea should focus on health education for adolescents and parents on modifiable lifestyle factors such as eating habitual meals regularly, getting adequate rest, and avoiding female genital mutilation.

Wondmagegn H, Nigusu K, Bezie HE et al.

DevelopmentProtectionETRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC10 Sept 2026

Shifting social norms, behavioural intentions and opposition to female genital mutilation: Effectiveness of layered community interventions in a high prevalence setting in Kenya.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains prevalent in parts of Kenya, sustained by social norms around marriageability and social belonging. Although community interventions to end FGM are widely implemented, quantitative evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This study evaluated whether mixed-sex community dialogues and women-only reflection circles implemented through the Girl Generation-Africa-Led Movement Programme changed FGM-related beliefs, intentions, social norms, and opposition to FGM in Isiolo County, Kenya. We analysed cross-sectional survey data from 2,235 respondents aged 15-60 years (1,314 women and 921 men). Exposure was self-reported participation in community dialogues and, among women, women-only reflection circles. Outcomes were pro-FGM beliefs, intention to cut a daughter, belief that uncut girls are not marriageable, and opposition to FGM. Associations were estimated using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for socio-demographic covariates. Among women, predicted probabilities were estimated across four exposure combinations, while a survey-weighted generalized structural equation model assessed pathways linking community dialogues to opposition to FGM. Participation in community dialogues was associated with lower odds of pro-FGM beliefs (aOR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.40-0.60), intentions to cut a daughter (aOR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.27-0.45), and belief that uncut girls are not marriageable (aOR 0.40, 95% CI: 0.31-0.53), and with higher odds of opposing FGM (aOR 3.09, 95% CI: 2.27-4.22). Among women, reflection circles primarily reduced intentions to cut and increasing opposition to FGM. Combined exposure produced the strongest effects, reducing the predicted probability of intending to cut a daughter from 38.6% to 12.7% and increasing opposition to FGM from 61.9% to 86.0%. Approximately 95% of the effect of community dialogues on opposition to FGM was mediated through changes in beliefs, intentions, and marriageability norms, with intentions representing the strongest pathway. These findings demonstrate that layered, community-led social norms interventions can meaningfully accelerate abandonment of FGM in high-prevalence settings.

Matanda DJ, Mchenga M, Muthuri S et al.

ProtectionKERead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC30 Jul 2026

How community dialogues influence norm change around female genital mutilation: a mediation analysis from a high-burden Kenyan setting.

Introduction Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains highly prevalent in parts of Kenya, including Narok County, where marriageability expectations and social sanctions continue to sustain the practice. Although community-dialogue interventions are central to strategies to end FGM, evidence on their effects and mechanisms of influence remains limited. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 2658 respondents (1272 women and 1386 men) aged 15-60 years in Narok County in 2024. The primary exposure was participation in mixed-sex community dialogues with participation in couples-only dialogues as secondary exposure. Outcomes were measured using survey items adapted from established FGM and social norms literature, including a composite index of beliefs favourable to cutting and single-item measures of intention to cut a daughter, perceived marriageability expectations and opposition to FGM. Analyses used generalised estimating equations, predicted probabilities and generalised structural equation models to assess mediation pathways. Results Participation in community dialogues was associated with more progressive norms, including lower odds of endorsing pro-cutting beliefs (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.76), intending to cut a daughter (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.64) and perceiving uncut girls as unmarriageable (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.66), and higher odds of opposing FGM (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.84 to 3.11). Couples-only dialogues had smaller and less consistent associations. Predicted probabilities indicated substantial positive associations among participants exposed to community dialogues alone or combined with couples' sessions. Mediation analysis showed that 88% of the effect of community dialogues on opposition to FGM indirectly linked through shifts in pro-cutting beliefs, intentions to cut and marriageability expectations, with intentions representing the strongest linkages. Conclusion Community dialogues are strongly associated with shifts in the social expectations and intentions that underpin FGM in a high-burden Kenyan context. These findings provide support for dialogue-centred strategies to eliminate FGM. Beliefs, intentions and marriageability norms are key intermediate indicators for monitoring normative change.

Matanda DJ, Mchenga M, Muthuri S et al.

ProtectionKERead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC8 Jul 2026

Maternal education-related inequality in female genital mutilation/cutting among daughters aged 0-14 years in three East African countries: DHS data from 2016-2022.

Background Globally, more than 230 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). It is estimated that about one-fourth of them reside in East Africa. Studies highlight educational attainment as one of the major factors contributing to the practice. Objective This study aimed to assess maternal education-related inequality in FGM/C among daughters aged 0-14 years by using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data (2016-2022) from three East African countries. Methods Stata version 17 was used for the data analysis. We analyzed pooled, nationally representative DHS data (2016-2022) from three East African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania), involving a weighted sample of 23,596 daughters. Maternal education-related inequality was measured using the Erreygers Normalized Concentration Index. A decomposition analysis was conducted to determine the percentage contribution of maternal and household-level factors to the observed inequality. Results The findings revealed a pro-low-education distribution of the practice, with an Erreygers index of -0.126 (p < 0.001), indicating that FGM/C is significantly concentrated among daughters of less educated mothers. Decomposition analysis showed that maternal education accounted for the largest share of the observed inequality (42.51%), followed by maternal FGM/C status (23.79%), non-exposure to media (22.58%), rural residence (13.86%), and maternal age < 18 years at first cohabitation (8.7%), whereas the wealth index narrowed the inequality by 23.44%. Conclusions FGM/C is disproportionately concentrated among daughters of less educated mothers. The observed inequality was largely shaped by maternal factors, indicating that limited educational attainment and intergenerational transmission play a substantial role in sustaining FGM/C among daughters.

Kifle Tsegaw T, Amsalu Adiss N, Misganaw Mesfin Y et al.

DevelopmentProtectionKETZETRead at source

OtherEurope PMC12 Aug 2026

Prevalence, Knowledge, and Attitudes Regarding Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Among Women in Mogadishu, Somalia A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) remains highly prevalent in Somalia, yet city-specific evidence on its complications, and women's knowledge and attitudes regarding the practice, remains limited for Mogadishu. This study assessed the prevalence of FGM/C and its complications, and women's knowledge and attitudes, among women in Mogadishu, and examined associations with socio-demographic characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 women aged 15–49 years attending ten Maternal and Child Health centers across five districts of Mogadishu, using a three-stage sampling procedure (purposive district selection, convenience facility selection, and simple random respondent selection). Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to examine associations and identify independent predictors of intention to continue the practice. Results FGM/C prevalence was 92.2% (n = 354/384), and 93.2% of affected women reported at least one complication. Knowledge of complications was moderate to high overall, though only 51.0% were aware of the FGM/C–HIV transmission link. Attitudes were predominantly ambivalent, and 60.4% of respondents reported definite intention to subject their own daughters to FGM/C. Contrary to expectation, women with high composite knowledge scores had significantly higher odds of intending to continue the practice than women with low knowledge (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI 1.75–6.64, p < 0.001), while higher education and more favorable attitudes toward abandonment were independently protective. Conclusion FGM/C remains highly prevalent in Mogadishu, and knowledge alone does not reduce intention to continue the practice. Effective elimination strategies should engage mothers directly, address perceived social barriers, and partner with trusted community and religious leaders rather than relying on health education alone.

Abdullahi¹ IH, Abdullahi IH

DevelopmentProtectionSORead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC19 May 2026

Association between intimate partner violence and child nutrition status in Rwanda: findings from recent Rwanda demographic and health survey 2019/20.

Background Despite significant socio-economic progress and a decade of interventions aimed at improving nutrition, malnutrition remains a significant problem among children under the age of five in Rwanda. While several studies have been conducted to identify important risk factors for malnutrition in Rwanda, none have specifically assessed the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and child nutritional status. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between women's exposure to IPV and the nutritional status of their children in Rwanda. Methods The study analyzed secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey 2019-20 (RDHS 2019/20). Data was gathered on women's emotional, physical, and sexual IPV experiences, as well as the anthropometric characteristics of their children aged under five. To determine the association between IPV exposure and child nutrition status, we used a multinomial logistic regression model. A weighted sample of 1277 women with at least one child under 5 years old, were studied. Results This study found that among 1,277 ever-married or partnered women, 36% (95% CI: 33.2%-38.7%) experienced physical IPV, 33.8% (95% CI: 31.2%-36.5%) experienced emotional IPV, and 14.6% (95% CI: 12.7%-16.7%) experienced sexual IPV. Overall, 45.7% (95% CI: 43.0%-48.5%) reported experiencing at least one form of IPV. Among their children, the prevalence of stunting was 30.7% (95% CI: 27.8%-33.1%), while 7% (95% CI: 5.6%-8.4%) were underweight, and 25.3% (95% CI: 22.8%-27.6%) experienced either stunting or underweight status. The results indicate that children whose mothers experienced sexual IPV were more likely to be underweight and stunted compared to their counterparts (ARRR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.13-5.67). Conclusion Maternal experience of sexual intimate partner violence is associated with a higher likelihood of stunting and underweight among their children. Therefore, the study's findings underline the importance of effective interventions to address violence against women, as well as nutrition-based policies and programs to reduce malnutrition among children under the age of five.

Izabayo J, Bahati C, Niyonsenga J et al.

SurvivalRWRead at source

Every report we find, newest first.

How to use the reports

Targeting a future generation free from female genital mutilation: A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study of an awareness intervention in central Tanzania.

Universal Female Genital Mutilation and High Burden of Infibulation in Mogadishu: Cross-Sectional Study on Severity, Types, and Associated Factors Among Adolescent Girls in Somalia.

Primary dysmenorrhea and associated factors among female adolescents in Jinka town, Southern Ethiopia, 2024.

Shifting social norms, behavioural intentions and opposition to female genital mutilation: Effectiveness of layered community interventions in a high prevalence setting in Kenya.

From Fragmented Projects to an Integrated, Conflict-Sensitive Reproductive Health System for Women in Somalia.

How community dialogues influence norm change around female genital mutilation: a mediation analysis from a high-burden Kenyan setting.

Maternal education-related inequality in female genital mutilation/cutting among daughters aged 0-14 years in three East African countries: DHS data from 2016-2022.

Prevalence, Knowledge, and Attitudes Regarding Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Among Women in Mogadishu, Somalia A Cross-Sectional Study

Association between intimate partner violence and child nutrition status in Rwanda: findings from recent Rwanda demographic and health survey 2019/20.

Preventing the Cycle of Violence: Protective Factors Among Ugandan Male Youth With Histories of Childhood Violence.

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