Date of Conferral

1-5-2026

Date of Award

January 2026

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Dr. Stacy-Ann Christian

Abstract

Despite ongoing eradication efforts, female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) remains a major public health and human rights concern in Ethiopia. This quantitative study was conducted to examine how circumciser type (traditional cutter, birth attendant, or health professional) influences FGM/C prevalence and severity among girls ages 0–14, considering the moderating effects of residence and mothers’ FGM status, while controlling for age and income. Guided by the social ecological model and using 2016 E Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys data, analysis indicates a significant association between circumciser type and FGM/C type (χ² (2, N = 1,553) = 6.86, p = .032), which lost significance in the multivariate model (p = .179). The interaction between circumciser type and residence was significant (χ² = 9.18, p = .010), with rural girls cut by traditional circumcisers more likely to undergo severe FGM, and maternal FGM status further moderated this relationship (Wald χ² = 8.05, p = .018; OR = 6.70, 95% CI: 1.58–28.39). Traditional circumcisers remained the predominant actors, accounting for over 99% of reported cases. Policy recommendations include strengthening enforcement of anti-FGM laws, expanding culturally sensitive health education initiatives, and engaging community leaders to promote awareness and understanding. Implications for positive social change include informing national strategies aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5.3 (elimination of harmful practices), by identifying high-risk groups and supporting community-based advocacy that promotes gender equity, bodily autonomy, and the abandonment of FGM/C.

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