Midwives' Experiences in Providing Care and Counselling to Women with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Related Problems

Elisabeth Isman,Vanja Berggren,Amina Mahmoud Warsame,Sarah Fried,Annika Johansson

doi:10.1155/2013/785148

Elisabeth Isman, Vanja Berggren + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/785148

Copy DOI

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to elucidate midwives experiences in providing care and counselling to women with FGM related problems. Setting. The study was conducted at a maternity clinic in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Method. A qualitative, inductive study were performed with eight midwives living in Somaliland. The interviews had semi-structured questions. Content analysis was used for the analysis. Findings. The main findings of the present study were how midwives are challenged by culture and religion when providing FGM counselling. The most prominent challenge is the perception that FGM is an important part of the culture and from this point of view the midwives work is apprehended as interfering and subverting the Somali culture. Having personal experience of FGM emerged as a benefit when counselling women. Conclusion. There is a contradiction between the professional actions of performing FGM despite a personal belief against FGM. Midwives as a professional group could be important agents of change and further research is needed about the midwives role in this process.

Highlights

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is currently practiced in 30 African countries in the sub-Saharan and northeastern regions and in some countries in Asia and in the Middle East [1].FGM is a serious public health problem and a global concern
In Somalia and Sudan, FGM is often performed at the age of 5– 10 years
We selected all five midwives who worked at the Support Center and were trained by network against Female Genital Mutilation in Somaliland (NAFIS) in FGM related care and counselling

Summary

Introduction

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is currently practiced in 30 African countries in the sub-Saharan and northeastern regions and in some countries in Asia and in the Middle East [1].FGM is a serious public health problem and a global concern. It is estimated that around 140 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM and that at least two million girls are annually at risk of undergoing some form of the procedure. (iv) If having daughters, have they undergone FGM? At what age, and have all daughters undergone the same form of FGM?. (v) If daughters have not undergone the same form of FGM what is the reason behind that?. Specific Questions (1) How do the midwives look upon their work with care and counselling to women having undergone FGM?. (ii) Can it make a difference to be circumcised (or not circumcised) yourself when helping women with FGM related problems? (iii) Can it be positive to be circumcised yourself when helping women with FGM related problems? (i) What are the main obstacles in giving care and counselling? (ii) Can it make a difference to be circumcised (or not circumcised) yourself when helping women with FGM related problems? (iii) Can it be positive to be circumcised yourself when helping women with FGM related problems? (iv) Do you feel that you can give adequate help to the women? (v) How do they look upon their own circumcision? (vi) Circumcised, if yes, what type and at what age was it done? (vii) Uncircumcised, if yes, reasons behind that and what are their feelings behind that? (viii) How are your work and position, working with FGM, perceived in the community?

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion