Trends in prevalence, pattern and factors associated with female genital mutilation/cutting among youth 15 to 24 years old in Nigeria

Introduction: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has no health benefits, and it is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. This study assed the prevalence, trends, patterns and determinants of FGM/C among youths in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to retrospectively review the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey data sets of 2008, 2013, and 2018 individual recode data of Youth aged 15 to 24 years. Data analysis was done using STATA-14.2 software and SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics are presented with frequency tables and line graphs, and Inferential statistics were done using the chi-square test. Results: A greater proportion of participants 22761 (54.9%) were those aged 15 to 19 years, resided in rural areas 24585(59.3%), Islam 21380 (51.6), secondary level of education, 21912 (52.8%), from the northwest region, 12031 (29.0%), and richer wealth index 9098 (21.9%). The overall prevalence of FGM/C within the period is 7054, 17.01%. The findings show a declining trend in the review period; the highest prevalence was seen in 2008 (3026 [24.0%) and the lowest was seen in 2018 (1366 [9.6%), (χ2 = 64.5; p < 0.001). The most prevalent pattern was flesh removed from the genitals (3678, 8.9%). Age, location, region, level of education, religion, and socioeconomic status (Wealth index), and year of interview were significantly associated with FGM/C. Conclusion: The progress/downward trajectory in the trend of FGM/C prevalence is encouraging, but sustained efforts are necessary to address the context-specific factors (Regionally tailored interventions) to eradicate FGM/C.