Background
Between 2005 and 2017, Senegal experienced a slight national decline in the prevalence of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) among women aged 15–49 years and girls younger than 15 years. However, significant differences in prevalence exist as a result of multifarious risk factors. Along with its nongovernmental partners, the government has committed substantial resources designed to tackle the practice and achieve Target 5.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our previous research in Senegal described the national trends in FGM/C, showing where, when, and why FGM/C is practised in Senegal. However, no recent study exists to analyse the geographical patterns of FGM/C and the effect of individual- and community-level risk factors on the likelihood of cutting among girls younger than 15 years. The present report sought to provide a more consistent evidence base on the patterns of FGM/C and the impact of multilevel factors on geographical variations in the risk of girls’ cutting. Specifically, this study examined the spatial distribution of FGM/C risks among girls who are younger than 15 years and identified individual- and community-level characteristics associated with the probability for such girls facing cutting in Senegal. This evidence base is necessary for well-informed targeting of prevention strategies.
