Table 3.
Knowledge about FGM and CM, PMC-E evaluation study, target districts, May 2025 (N = 403: exposed = 205, non-exposed = 198)
| Knowledge variable about FGM and CM | Exposed (n = 205) | Non-exposed (n = 198) | Total (N = 403) | p-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FGM causes lifelong physical harm (True) | 204 (99.5%) | 192 (97.0%) | 396 (98.3%) | 0.049 |
| FGM leads to mental health issues (True) | 197 (96.1%) | 166 (83.8%) | 363 (90.1%) | < 0.001 |
| FGM increases HIV risk (True) | 205 (100%) | 195 (98.5%) | 400 (99.3%) | 0.056 |
| FGM is criminalized in Ethiopia (True) | 201 (98.0%) | 189 (95.5%) | 390 (96.8%) | 0.123 |
| FGM enhances chastity/moral character (False) | 163 (79.5%) | 127 (64.1%) | 290 (72.0%) | < 0.001 |
| Religious scriptures require FGM (False) | 182 (88.8%) | 167 (84.3%) | 349 (86.6%) | 0.178 |
| FGM hinders sexual health (True) | 165 (80.5%) | 149 (75.3%) | 314 (77.9%) | 0.197 |
| CM interrupts education (True) | 197 (96.1%) | 181 (91.4%) | 378 (93.8%) | 0.042 |
| Girls under 18 are biologically mature for marriage (False) | 175 (85.4%) | 159 (80.3%) | 334 (82.9%) | 0.162 |
| CM increases maternal mortality (True) | 202 (98.5%) | 179 (90.4%) | 381 (94.5%) | < 0.001 |
| CM increases spousal abuse (True) | 195 (95.1%) | 173 (87.4%) | 368 (91.3%) | 0.005 |
| CM is outlawed in Ethiopia (True) | 201 (98.0%) | 188 (94.9%) | 389 (96.5%) | 0.082 |
| Delaying marriage improves girls’ independence (True) | 178 (86.8%) | 153 (77.3%) | 331 (82.1%) | 0.009 |
| Comprehensive knowledge (mean % correct) | 93.2% | 84.6% | 88.9% | < 0.001 |
“I don’t know” responses were merged with “No” due to low percentages across all items. Values in bold indicate statistical significance (p < 0.05)
Abbreviations: CM Child marriage, FGM Female genital mutilation, PMC Population Media Center, PMC-E Population Media Center-Ethiopia