Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Accessibility and its Role in Female Genital Mutilation Reduction: Insights from Handeni District, Tanzania

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful cultural practice prevalent in various nations, causing severe health consequences and violating human rights, primarily affecting young girls. Handeni District, located in the Tanga Region, has a high FGM prevalence of approximately 70%, especially among the Maasai and Zigua tribes. This study evaluates the contribution of an Alternative rite of passage project aimed at reducing FGM through the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS). Methods The study employed a cross-sectional design and utilised a concurrent mixed-method approach. The total sample size for the study included 385 participants, comprising 13 key informants and 372 respondents who completed a questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using Stata 14, involving inferential and descriptive statistics to explore associations between variables and become familiar with the data. Qualitative data were analysed with Atlas.ti, incorporating thematic and narrative analysis to identify overarching themes and gain insights into how individuals construct and communicate their experiences through narratives. Results The findings revealed a significant association (χ2 = 129.1208, Pr = 0.000) between the two variables. Notably, for every one-unit increase in "Use of SRHS," FGM practice tends to decrease by approximately 0.1613 units. Conclusion The study provides and emphasizes the critical role of <bold>community empowerment, geographical accessibility, cultural sensitivity, education, and data-driven decision-making in strengthening initiatives for the community-based</bold> promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS). It underscores the pressing need to address the high prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and highlights the positive impact of community-based initiatives in reducing FGM practices. The integration of SRHS initiatives is emphasized as a crucial component in the broader strategy to combat FGM. Overall, the study advocates for a comprehensive approach that combines community-focused measures with targeted efforts to enhance SRHS accessibility and awareness, particularly in the context of combating the harmful cultural practice of FGM.