title: A description of female genital mutilation and force-feeding practices in Mauritania: implications for the protection of child rights and health.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) and force feeding (gavage) practices among children in Mauritania; to investigate factors related to FGM and gavage practices and attitude in Mauritania; and to explore implications related to the protection of children's rights and welfare.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from the Mauritania 2000-2001 DHS were used in this analysis. Data were collected from men and women about their attitude toward the continuation of FGM and gavage; women only were asked if they ever experienced one of these practices. Chi-square statistics were used to investigate differences in attitude and practice of FGM and gavage by demographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to identify socio-demographic factors related to FGM and gavage outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall prevalence of FGM was 77% but varied depending on ethnicity. The majority of both female and male respondents favored the continuation of the practice (64% and 70%, respectively). Almost a quarter (23%) of women reported being force fed as a child and 32% of women and 29% of men approved the continuation of the practice. Gavage is almost exclusively practiced among Arabs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The practice of both FGM and gavage is ongoing, although the prevalence and attitude towards both appears to vary as a function of ethnicity, wealth, education, marital status, and age. Contextually relevant intervention and enforcement strategies are needed to challenge these cultural norms and protect the rights and welfare of children in Mauritania.
authors.affiliation: Tulane University, Payson Center for International Development, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America.
authors.forename: Nacerdine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ouldzeidoune
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Keating
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bertrand
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rice
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D045809:Human Rights Abuses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008435:Mauritania / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016387:Women's Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult