Socio-economic disparities in female genital circumcision: finding from a case- control study

Abstract Background Female genital circumcision is still one of the challenges in reproductive health. This study was conducted to investigate the socio-economic disparities in female genital circumcision in a Kurdish region of Iran. Methods We conducted a case-control study to assess the socio-economic factors associated with female genital circumcision. Using the available sampling method, 130 cases of circumcised girls and 130 controls without history of circumcision were enrolled. The demographic and circumcision information questionnaires were completed by self-report method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square statistical methods as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression models with a backward method at 95% confidence level. Results The chances of genital circumcision in girls under the age of 20 and then in the age group of 20 to 30 years were 5.77 and 8.55 times higher than those over 30 years, respectively. This chance in girls with elementary education was 6.6 times higher than those with a college education. The chances of girls being circumcised with mothers with elementary education were 5.75 times higher than girls with university-educated mothers. Also, the family history of circumcision increased the chance of female genital circumcision by 9.90 times. Conclusion The present study highlighted the importance of modifiable variable such as girls’ education as well as parents' education as predictors of female genital circumcision. Empowering women by creating opportunities for their education can lead to the success of global efforts to reduce and eradicate this health problem.