A community-based educational intervention targeting young adults in Tanzania’s Dodoma Region—the country’s second-highest for female genital mutilation prevalence—demonstrated significant improvements in awareness and attitudes toward abandoning the practice. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, focused on an often-overlooked age group critical for intergenerational change.
Awareness Outcomes After FGM Educational Intervention
Percentage of young adults by key awareness indicators, Dodoma Region, Tanzania
Source: Kimario et al., PLOS Global Public Health, 2025 | Georgian Medical Journal News
Quasi-experimental study targets critical age group
Researchers led by Dr. Leah Barthalome Kimario from the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College conducted a mixed-methods quasi-experimental study in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region. The intervention focused on young adults aged 15-19, a demographic researchers identified as crucial for fostering intergenerational change in global health practices.
The primary study component involved 452 young adults from schools and hospitals who completed both baseline and follow-up surveys. Additional components included a clinical audit of 3,770 delivering mothers and in-depth interviews with ten young adult mothers who had undergone FGM, according to the PLOS Global Public Health publication.
Significant awareness gains despite persistent challenges
The mean awareness score increased by 15.04 percentage points, from 44.08% at baseline to 59.12% at endline (p
However, the research revealed concerning disparities between self-reported and observed FGM prevalence. While 7.3% of women self-reported positive FGM status at baseline, clinical observations identified FGM in 16.6% of delivering mothers over nine months. This finding suggests significant under-reporting, potentially due to the practice’s illegal status in Tanzania since 1998, as noted by migration and health researchers.
Qualitative findings reveal ‘hidden system’ of continued practice
In-depth interviews with young mothers who had undergone FGM revealed three key themes that researchers termed “The hidden system,” “Blood and lies,” and “Intergenerational revolt.” These findings, published in the study’s qualitative analysis, highlighted the clandestine nature of continued FGM practice despite legal prohibitions.
The “hidden system” theme revealed how FGM continues in secret, often involving deception of younger generations about the true nature and consequences of the practice. “Blood and lies” captured the physical and psychological trauma associated with FGM, while “Intergenerational revolt” described young women’s growing resistance to perpetuating the practice, according to the research team’s thematic analysis.
The theory-informed, community-engaged intervention significantly improved awareness and attitudes among more than 1,700 community members, with 95.8% expressing desire for FGM abandonment by the study’s conclusion.
— Dr. Leah Barthalome Kimario, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (PLOS Global Public Health, 2025)
Key takeaways
- Educational interventions can significantly increase FGM awareness among young adults, with 15.04 percentage point improvement demonstrated
- Under-reporting of FGM prevalence remains substantial, with observed rates (16.6%) more than double self-reported rates (7.3%)
- Nearly all participants (97.6%) recognized FGM as a human rights violation after the intervention, indicating strong potential for attitude change
Frequently asked questions
What is female genital mutilation and why is it practiced?
Female genital mutilation involves procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. According to the World Health Organization, it is practiced for cultural, religious, and social reasons within families and communities, despite having no health benefits and often causing serious health complications.
How effective are educational interventions in reducing FGM?
This Tanzania study demonstrated significant awareness improvements, with mean scores increasing 15.04 percentage points after intervention. However, the research also revealed persistent under-reporting and continued clandestine practice, suggesting education alone may require complementary approaches for maximum effectiveness.
Why focus on young adults aged 15-19 for FGM prevention?
Researchers identified this age group as critical for intergenerational change because they are approaching reproductive age and decision-making roles within families. The study found 95.8% of participants expressed desire for FGM abandonment after the intervention, suggesting strong potential for breaking cycles of practice.
The study’s findings suggest that while educational interventions can significantly improve awareness and attitudes toward FGM abandonment, addressing the practice’s hidden and clandestine nature requires sustained, multi-faceted approaches. The researchers’ focus on young adults represents a promising strategy for achieving intergenerational change, particularly when combined with broader community engagement and policy enforcement efforts.
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Medically reviewed by Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD. Spotted an error? Contact the editorial team.
