Factors associated with disapproval of female genital mutilation among schoolgirls in the Borena and Jimma zones of Ethiopia

This research assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with disapproval of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in the Borena and Jimma zones of Ethiopia using a cross-sectional study among 679 schoolgirls aged 15-24 years old. Results show an overall 80.7% prevalence of attitudes against FGM/C. Individuals from Borena [AOR = 1.76;95% CI: 1.03,2.98] and Christian religion followers compared to Muslims [AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.07, 4.20] had higher odds of expressing attitudes against FGM/C. Those participants who agree to the statement 'a woman or man can suggest using a condom' [AOR = 2.79; 95% CI:1.73, 4.52] and 'it is okay for a woman to say no to sexual intercourse' [AOR = 2.46; 95% CI:1.31, 4.61] were also significantly more likely to oppose FGM/C. Through this study, we have identified the influence of geography, culture, and religion in shaping attitudes towards FGM and noted the missed opportunity of using school-based interventions to tackle this issue.