title: A tradition in transition: factors perpetuating and hindering the continuance of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) summarized in a systematic review.
abstract: Understanding the forces underpinning female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C) is a necessary first step to prevent the continuation of a practice that is associated with health complications and human rights violations. To this end, a systematic review of 21 studies was conducted. Based on this review, the authors reveal six key factors that underpin FGM/C: cultural tradition, sexual morals, marriageability, religion, health benefits, and male sexual enjoyment. There were four key factors perceived to hinder FGM/C: health consequences, it is not a religious requirement, it is illegal, and the host society discourse rejects FGM/C. The results show that FGM/C appears to be a tradition in transition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Evidence-Based Health Services, Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, St. Olavs Plass,Oslo, Norway. rigmor.berg@nokc.no
authors.forename: Rigmor C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Berg
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Denison
mesh_terms: D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000639:trends*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D012067:Religion; D014933:Women's Rights