Factors associated with the practice and attitude toward gavage and female genital mutilation in Mauritania

Background: Force-feeding of girls (also known as 'gavage') and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are common practices in Mauritania. While FGM has been documented in most Sub-Saharan African Countries, gavage is somewhat unique in Mauritania; while there are other examples of pre-marriage "fattening houses" in West Africa; gavage is done only for the purpose of the immediate marriage, and is usually consensual.;This paper is the first report that examines these two practices using the 2000-2001 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).;Objectives: To establish the prevalence of force-feeding (gavage ) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practices among women in Mauritania. Secondary objectives are to investigate factors associated with gavage and FGM practices and attitude (for women and men) towards them in Mauritania, to explore implications related to the protection of girls' rights and welfare, and to recommend measures for enhancing effective protective mechanisms against these practices.;Methods: The 2000-2001 Mauritanian DHS data were used in this analysis. Data were collected from men and women age 15 to 59 and 15 to 49 to determine attitudes about the continuation of gavage and FGM. Chi-square statistics were used to investigate differences in attitude and practice of gavage and FGM by demographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to identify socio-demographic factors related to gavage and FGM outcomes.;Findings: 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 white Moors.;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).;Conclusion: The practice of both gavage and FGM is ongoing, although the prevalence and attitude towards both practices 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 girls in Mauritania.