Knowledge, attitudes and practice of female genital mutilation and cutting: An observational cross-sectional study in primary care (FGM/C Study).

Abstract

Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) describes procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Increasing migration means many communities living in the UK originate from countries where FGM/C is practiced. Consequently, clinicians in the UK are increasingly exposed to women and children who have experienced FGM/C. To explore the knowledge, attitudes and practice of primary care general practitioners and practice nurses about FGM/C. An observational cross-sectional study with general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs) working in primary care in the West Midlands, United Kingdom. An online survey was circulated to GPs and PNs between September 2019 and December 2019. 137 survey responses were received. Study participants were predominantly female (81.8%) and general practitioners (59.9%) with a mean age of 47.3 (SD =9.1). 19.7% of responders reported seeing more than one patient with FGM/C in the last 12 months. 91% of responders had received some form of FGM/C training; however the format and frequency of training varied and 34.3% felt they had received inadequate training to manage treatment of FGM/C. Results suggest varying degrees of competence and confidence associated with recognising and managing patients with FGM/C in primary care in the West Midlands. Given that FGM/C patients typically present in primary care it is important that clinicians can provide appropriate support underpinned by up-to-date training.