Demographic and Health Surveys Phase 8 (DHS8): Experiences of Female Genital Cutting

 1. Now I would like to ask some questions about a practice known as female circumcision. Have you ever heard of female circumcision?
 2. In some countries, there is a practice in which a girl may have part of her genitals cut. Have you ever heard about this practice?
 3. Have you yourself ever been circumcised?

Response Options:
Yes
No

 4. Now I would like to ask you what was done to you at that time. Was any flesh removed from the genital area?
 5. Was the genital area just nicked without removing any flesh?
 6. Was your genital area sewn closed?

Response Options:
Yes
No
Don’t know

This question should be adapted to reflect country-specific methods of infibulation (that is, ways in which the vaginal orifice is narrowed or “closed”).

 7. How old were you when you were circumcised? IF THE RESPONDENT DOES NOT KNOW THE EXACT AGE, PROBE TO GET AN ESTIMATE.

Response Options:
2-digit numeric (_ years)
As a baby/during infancy
Don’t know

 8. Who performed the circumcision?

Response Options:
Traditional circumciser
Traditional birth attendant
Other traditional provider (specify)
Doctor
Nurse/midwife
Auxiliary midwife
Other health professional (specify)
Don’t know

Not Applicable

PRIMARY CITATION:

Demographic and Health Surveys (2019). Demographic and Health Surveys: Female Genital Cutting Module. https://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-DHSQ8-DHS-Questionnaires-and-Manuals.cfm.