The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43752

Elizabeth Jackson, MHS¹, Patricia Akweongo, MS², Evelyn Sakeah, BA², Abraham Hodgson, PhD², and Rofina Asuru, RN². (1) Policy Research Division, Population Council, 1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, 212 339 0689, ejackson@popcouncil.org, (2) Navrongo Health Research Centre, P.O. Box 114, Navrongo, UER, Ghana

While many surveys have been fielded that ask questions about female genital mutilation (FGM) status and correlated personal characteristics, no longitudinal studies have been launched that permit investigation of response biases associated with such investigations. This study reports on two longitudinal studies, one of women aged 15 to 49 and a second of adolescents aged 12 to 19. In the adult sample, women who claimed to be circumcised when they were interviewed in 1995 were interviewed again in 2000 after a law had been passed banning the practice and public information campaigns had been launched to uproot social support for FGM. In all, 16 percent of the 1995 circumcised respondents denied having had a circumcision in the 2000 re-interview, and denial was negatively associated with educational attainment, marriage, and age. The adolescent survey shows that 61 percent of those who reported that they were circumcised in 1999 reported that they were not circumcised in a 2000 reinterview. Among adolescent girls, denial is positively associated with the practice of traditional religion and negatively associated with marriage. Factors which may explain contrasting correlates of denial among adolescents and adults is reviewed. Implications for FGM research are reviewed and discussed.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participant will be able to…
• Assess the potential impact of response bias in repeated cross-sectional FGM surveys on results.
• List characteristics that are significantly associated with women who have reported that they are circumcised and subsequently deny.
• Recommend methodological procedures to adjust for response bias associated with denial.

Keywords: Female Genital Mutilation, International Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.