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: < 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.