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

Bibliographic Data

ID21766323
AuthorsTigist Kifle Tsegaw (0009-0001-0966-9312, University of Gondar, corresponding author), Nigat Amsalu Adiss (University of Gondar), Yabibal Misganaw Mesfin (University of Gondar), Wubedle Zelalem Temesgan (0000-0002-4642-164X, University of Gondar), Setegn Fentahun (0009-0008-1991-1169, University of Gondar), Fetlework Gubena Arage (0009-0009-1447-6214, University of Gondar), Eyob Akalewold Alemu (University of Gondar)
Year2026
Volume19
Issue1
Pages2695724-2695724
Publication date2026-12-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Health Action (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1654-9716 • E-ISSN: 1654-9880
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/16549716.2026.2695724
PMID42415700
OpenAlexW7167681207
LanguageEN
References cited35

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: < 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

Cohabitation · Developing country · Educational attainment · Gender inequality · Inequality · Reproductive health · Residence · Rural area · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Genital Health and Disease

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access