Understanding the Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Pusiga in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Authors: Ocran BE, Atiigah GA

Journal: Social Sciences , 11 (11), 526.

Date published: November 2022

This interesting paper assesses the factors accounting for the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Pusiga, Ghana (3.8% nationally and 27.8% in Pusiga) and articulates lessons for designing health promotion interventions. The study uses an insider-outsider approach. A phenomenological qualitative design involving focus groups and interviews was used (drawing on the insider approach) to develop contextually and culturally sensitive reporting of five survivors, five non-survivors, and ten religious leaders. An outsider approach was then adopted to inform perspectives for designing health promotion interventions to address FGM/C. The findings of the paper highlight the economic undertones underpinning FGM/C. The authors recommend a systematic approach to health promotion that addresses FGM/C’s deep socio-cultural and economic, religious underpinnings.

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