Consequences Of Female Genital Mutilation Research Articles

Six aspects of female genital mutilation education (SAFE) model: findings from a qualitative study

ObjectivesRecent figures show that over 200 million women and girls, globally, live with the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM). Complex debilitating physical, psychological and social problems result from the...

Examining the Types and Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Burden and Impact of Acute and Long-Term Complications

Examining the Types and Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Burden and Impact of Acute and Long-Term Complications

Psychological Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation - A Review

Psychological Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation - A Review

Prevalence, consequences of female genital mutilation among asylum seekers in Ile-de-France and socio-demographic characteristics

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is an intervention on the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. In France, asylum is possible for girls at risk of FGM in their country of origin. The procedure includes a forensic examination of the child. To describe the prevalence of FGM and the sociodemographic characteristics of girls and their mothers examined at the Department of Forensic Medicine of Paris. Between 2018 and 2021, 2422 family interviews were conducted. The mothers were mainly from Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea Conakry. A FGM was found in 84.4% of the 1838 women examined, mostly of type IIb. The mothers reported immediate complications (21.2%: hemorrhage, pain) and long-term complications (31.8%: sexual disorders, obstetrical complications) due to these FGM. The families often included several children, and 3307 girls were examined. They were mostly born in France (72.0%). An FGM was identified in 61 of these girls (1.8%, mostly type IIb); it was already known by the family in half of the cases. Three of these girls were born in Europe. FGM is a public health problem on a global scale, but also in France due to migratory pathways. This descriptive study carried out an initial medical assessment of FSM in female asylum seekers examined at the Department of Forensic Medicine of Paris, and difficulties in the diagnosis of FSM. Other studies are useful to corroborate and compare our results.

Female genital mutilation in the Canary Islands: A qualitative study on the perspectives of women and healthcare professionals

IntroductionMigration to Western countries is associated with social and health challenges that are difficult to manage. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that still occurs in the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization, FGM is a ritual procedure involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-therapeutic reasons. Objectives(I) To explore the experiences of women residing in the Canary Islands, in Spain, who had suffered FGM, and their assessment of the healthcare received. (II) To explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals who had attended to these cases, care pathways, and prevention. MethodsA qualitative study, phenomenologically oriented based on a pragmatic perspective, was conducted. We conducted open in-person interviews, and written documents were sent via email for data collection. Purposeful and snowball sampling methods were used to select women who had undergone FGM and healthcare providers who had attended to such patients. Nine participants were recruited, five health professionals and four women. Although the sample size was not very large, the data had enough depth and richness to meet the goals of the study. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. ResultsSix main themes emerged, including the “meaning of FGM,” “health consequences,” “benefits of treatments,” “knowledge about FGM,” “experiences of professionals and with professionals,” and “recommendations of professionals in improving care.” ConclusionsProfessionals and women identified the lack of training to address this problem, and both parties perceived FGM as a negative practice. The women lack knowledge about the relationship between some health problems they suffer and FGM, which poses a challenge for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, professionals need to know in detail all health conditions related to FGM to diagnose and treat these women more accurately. When affected women arrive in Western countries and receive correct information on the consequences of FGM, they are more likely to reject this practice. The identification of cases of FGM in women born in the Canary Islands urges the need to develop strategies to avoid such situations.

A 36-year-old lady with type three female genital mutilation (Infibulation) – its long-term complications: a case report and literature review

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation comprises all procedures involving the partial or total removal of female external genitalia or other injury to the female external organs, whether for religious, cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons. The impact of female genital mutilation is diverse, including physical, social and psychological impact. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman with type three female genital mutilation who did not seek medical treatment due to lack of awareness that there was treatment for it, and use this case as an entry point to comprehensively review literature regarding long-term complications associated with female genital mutilation and its impact on women’s quality of life.Case presentationWe present a case of a 36-year-old single nulligravida lady with type three female genital mutilation who had presented with difficulty with urination since childhood. She had difficulty with menstruation since her menarche, and she had never had sexual intercourse. She never sought treatment, but recently went to hospital after she heard of a young lady who had the same problem in her neighborhood who was treated surgically and got married. On external genitalia examination, there was no clitoris, no labia minora, and labia majora were fused to each other with a healed old scar between them. There was a 0.5 cm by 0.5 cm opening below the fused labia majora near to the anus through which urine was dribbling. De-infibulation was done. Six months after the procedure, she was married and at that moment she was pregnant.ConclusionThe physical, sexual, obstetrics and psychosocial consequences of female genital mutilation are neglected issues. The improvement of women’s socio-cultural status in combination with planning programs to enhance their information and awareness as well as trying to change the cultural and religious leaders’ viewpoints regarding this procedure is essential to reducing female genital mutilation and its burden on women’s health.

Understanding the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation: a phenomenological study in sub-Saharan women living in Spain

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is culturally accepted in some African communities, has serious consequences on the physical, psychological, urogynecological, obstetrical and sexual health of girls and women. It is therefore important to understand women's experiences of the consequences of FGM.to understand the experiences of the consequences of female genital mutilation in sub-Saharan female survivors living in Spain.a qualitative study based on Merleau-Ponty's hermeneutic phenomenology.13 sub-Saharan female survivors of female genital mutilation participated. The study was carried out in two south-eastern Spanish provinces where many jobs in the agricultural and service industry are done by African immigrants originating from ethnic groups in which FGM is still prevalent.In-depth interviews were carried out for data collection. ATLAS.ti was used for inductive analysis, from which two main themes were developed that represent the experiences of the consequences of FGM: (a) The impact of FGM: Hijacked sexual health and (b) The difficult process of genital reconstruction: overcoming the aftereffects and regaining integrity.The mutilated women experienced serious consequences in their sexual, psychological and obstetrical health. Genital reconstruction was a difficult decision but contributed to regaining their sexual health and identity. The professionals involved play an important role in the care provided for the associated consequences of FGM, in identifying risk groups and in providing advice that allows the women to regain their sexual and reproductive health.

Female Genital Mutilation, Sexual Quality of Life and Marital Relationship: A Case-Control Study From Iran.

Studies on the sexual consequences of female genital mutilation is mostly related to sexual function, while sexual quality of life is a more objective criterion for studying the effects of genital mutilation on the women's sexual life. The purpose of this study was to compare the sexual quality of life and marital relationship in the mutilated women with other women living in the Kurd region of Mahabad (Iran). In a case-control study, 600 married women (300 mutilated and 300 non-mutilated women) who referred to the health centers completed the sexual quality of life questionnaire (SQOL-F) as well as demographic questionnaires. Data analyzed using chi-square, independent t-test, and linear regression model with stepwise method at 95% confidence level. The mean total score of sexual quality of life in the mutilated group (40.28±16.76) was significantly lower than the control group (45.29±19.16). The chance of having a higher score of sexual quality of life in the mutilated group was 0.13 times lower than the control group. This value was 0.16 times for self-worthlessness area, 0.10 for sexual repression, 0.12 for psycho-sexual feeling, and 0.32 for sexual and marital satisfaction areas (p <0.05). In the mutilated group, the total score of sexual quality of life was significantly correlated with age, income, spouse's violence, spouse's infidelity, intercourse frequency, and residence status (P <0.05). Female genital mutilation can decrease the sexual quality of life and increase the chance of negative consequences such as spouse violence, infidelity, and intercourse reduction.

Female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance among women in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundThere is evidence that women who have had their genitals cut suffer substantial difficulties during and/or after childbirth, including the need for a caesarean section, an episiotomy, an extended hospital stay, post-partum bleeding, and maternal fatalities. Whether or not women in sub-Saharan Africa who have undergone female genital mutilation utilize the services of skilled birth attendants during childbirth is unknown. Hence, we examined the association between female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThe data for this study were compiled from 10 sub-Saharan African countries’ most recent Demographic and Health Surveys. In the end, we looked at 57,994 women between the ages of 15 and 49. The association between female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance was investigated using both fixed and random effects models.ResultsFemale genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance were found to be prevalent in 68.8% and 58.5% of women in sub-Saharan Africa, respectively. Women with a history of female genital mutilation had reduced odds of using skilled birth attendance (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86–0.96) than those who had not been circumcised. In Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, women with female genital mutilation had reduced odds of having a trained delivery attendant compared to women in Burkina Faso.ConclusionThis study shed light on the link between female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance among sub-Saharan African women. The study's findings provide relevant information to government agencies dealing with gender, children, and social protection, allowing them to design specific interventions to prevent female genital mutilation, which is linked to non-use of skilled birth attendance. Also, health education which focuses on childbearing women and their partners are necessary in enhancing awareness about the significance of skilled birth attendance and the health consequences of female genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somaliland – why is change so slow?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as any procedure involving the alteration or excision of external female genitalia for no medical reason. Somaliland has among the highest prevalence rates of FGM globally. In this article we describe how the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) ‘Network against female genital mutilation in Somaliland’ (NAFIS) has approached the challenge to reduce the high FGM prevalence. From its start in 2006, NAFIS has developed a multifaceted program to reach the overall goal: the elimination of all forms of FGM in Somaliland. Alone among the group of CSOs in the network, NAFIS introduced in its activities medical care and counselling for women who suffer from the consequences of FGM. From 2011 and onwards, thousands of women have been relieved of their FGM-related health complications and participated in counselling sessions at project centres. Shortly after this visit they have been invited to participate in community group meetings to share their experiences with other women who also have received FGM care and counselling, and other community members. The aim of the article is to describe this model of work - combining FGM care and counselling with community dialogues. The article is basically descriptive, using the authors’ own observations and encounters with project clients and staff over eight years. We have also used findings from three Master's theses on aspects of the process, and from other small scale studies to highlight people’s understanding, experiences and opinions in a context of an on-going health intervention. A lesson learnt from NAFIS project is that it has helped to open up communicative spaces in community dialogues where experiences are shared and understanding created of the harm caused by FGM, without the habitual stigma and shame. We discuss this process in a context of behavioural change theories. A major challenge during the process has been to involve men in the project’s FGM information and counselling activities. The role of nurses/midwives, being the first to meet women with FGM complications, is also discussed and the need emphasised to strengthen capacity of this category of health workers. One type of FGM gaining in usage is the poorly defined sunna, the health risks of which are unclear.

The Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation on Psycho-Social Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research.

The health consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) have been described previously; however, evidence of the social consequences is more intangible. To date, few systematic reviews have addressed the impact of the practice on psycho-social well-being, and there is limited understanding of what these consequences might consist. To complement knowledge on the known health consequences, this article systematically reviewed qualitative evidence of the psycho-social impact of FGM in countries where it is originally practiced (Africa, the Middle East, and Asia) and in countries of the diaspora. Twenty-three qualitative studies describing the psycho-social impact of FGM on women’s lives were selected after screening. This review provides a framework for understanding the less visible ways in which women and girls with FGM experience adverse effects that may affect their sense of identity, their self-esteem, and well-being as well as their participation in society.

Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation on Women’s Sexual Health – Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation (FGM) can leave a lasting mark on the lives and minds of those affected. AimTo assess the consequences of FGM on women’s sexual function in women who have undergone FGM compared to women who have not undergone FGM. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted from 3 databases; inclusion and exclusion criterions were determined. Studies included adult women having undergone FGM and presenting sexual disorders assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). ResultsOf 129 studies, 5 that met the criteria were selected. The sexual function of mutilated women, based on the FSFI total score and its different domains, was compared to the sexual function of non-mutilated women. There was a significant decrease in the total FSFI scores of mutilated women compared to non-mutilated women. However, the results obtained for the different domains were not the same for all authors. The meta-analysis highlighted a high heterogeneity with inconsistency and true variance in effect size between-studies. ConclusionAnalysis of studies showed that there is a significant decrease in the total FSFI score, indicating that FGM of any type may cause impaired sexual functioning. But a firm conclusion on this topic is not yet achievable because the results of this analysis do not allow to conclude a cause and effect relationship of FGM on sexual function.Nzinga A-M, De Andrade Castanheira S, Herklmann J, et al. Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation on Women’s Sexual Health – Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sex Med 2021;18:750–760.

Wrong Perceptions Towards Health Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation and Associated Factors Among Women in Adama District, Oromia, Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: Wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation among women can contribute to the continuation of the practice of female genital mutilation. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women at Adama District. <i>Objective</i>: To determine the prevalence of wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women in Adama district, Oromia, Ethiopia from Oct 15-20, 2019. <i>Method</i>: Community based cross sectional study design was used. A total of 507 women were selected using systematic sampling method from randomly selected six kebeles in Adama District. Data were collected using pretested semi structured interviewer administered quantitative questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary Logistic Regression and Multiple Logistic Regression were used to find the association between wrong perception and associated factors. <i>Result</i>: 158 (31.2)% (95% CI: 27, 35.5) of women had wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation. Rural residence (AOR, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.42, 5.04), not having any maternal care service (AOR, 2.56, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.68), no mass media exposure (AOR, 2.68, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.94) and age at circumcision>11 years (AOR, 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.78) were statistically significant variables associated with wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilations (p<0.05). <i>Conclusion and recommendation</i>: 31.2% of women had wrong perceptions. Women at Rural residence, having no mass media exposure, having no maternal care service and circumcised at<10 years had wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilations. Increased maternal care service and health education were recommended to reduce women’s wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilation.

Pattern of Female Genital Mutilation among Adolescents Attending Secondary Schools' in Enugu Metropolis.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a public health menace and it study among adolescents is not exhaustive. The aim is to study the prevalence, pattern, cultural values, health implications and consequences of FGM among adolescent females attending secondary schools in Enugu metropolis. A descriptive study involving female adolescents aged 13-21 years recruited by multistage sampling in three Girls Secondary Schools in Enugu Metropolis. Four hundred and fifty (450) questionnaires were distributed and four hundred and fourteen (414) were retrieved. The parents with moderate value for culture and tradition had the highest circumcised respondents (7.8%) (p = 0.056). Majority of the respondents, 93.7% were aware of female circumcision. The major complications of female circumcision according to the respondents were painful urination and menstrual problems. The prevalence of female circumcision among the respondents was 9.4%. A minor proportion of the respondents, 5.8% were of the opinion that all females should be circumcised. Respondents whose fathers attained tertiary education were three times less likely to be circumcised when compared with those whose fathers attained secondary education and less (adjusted odds ratio = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.3-1.5). Prevalence of FGM among adolescents aged 13-21 years in Enugu metropolis was 9.4%. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge of FGM, and major complications noted were painful urination and menstrual problems. Fathers education level is a very strong reason for this high awareness of FGM among female adolescents.

Combating female genital mutilation in Northeast (Horn) Africa and its challenges.

This article investigates the practice of female genital mutilation as a long-held custom in the countries of Northeast Africa, known as Horn of Africa, where many women in rural and urban areas are faced with different physical and psychic consequences in their future lives. To investigate the prevalence of FGM in the Horn of Africa and the traditional thinking of People about it. This study was based on descriptive analysis method. The questions of the study are (a) Why female circumcision is widely practiced in Horn of Africa; (b) What are the mental and physical consequences of female genital mutilation for the women; and (c) How regional and international entities, whether governmental or NGOs, are combating this tradition. This article has found out that female genital mutilation in Northeast African countries has resulted in many lifelong diseases and sexual degradation in many women and the best way to combat this tradition is to inform people by gradual (not abrupt) trainings without any insult to the beliefs of the people. This study reveals the Health education based on behavioral change. In doing so, the unity of policies between regional and international actors along with attracting the support of tribal elites is also needed.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the consequences of female genital mutilation on maternal and perinatal health outcomes in European and African countries

IntroductionKey knowledge gaps remain to improve reproductive health outcomes for millions of women living with female genital mutilation (FGM). We aimed to update previous reviews and quantify more rigorously maternal...

Psychosexual Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation and the Impact of Reconstructive Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Purpose: We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the health consequences of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), with a particular focus on the psychosexual implications of this practice and the overall impact of reconstructive plastic surgery.Methods: A MEDLINE search through PubMed was performed to identify the best quality evidence published studies in English language on long-term health consequences of FGM/C.Results: Women with FGM/C are more likely to develop psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, somatization, phobia, and low self-esteem, than those without FGM/C. Most studies showed impaired sexual function in women with FGM/C. In particular, women with FGM/C may be physiologically less capable of becoming sexually stimulated than uncut women. Reconstructive surgery could be beneficial, in terms of both enhanced sexual function and body image. However, prospective studies on the impact of reconstructive surgery are limited, and safety issues should be addressed.Conclusion: Although it is clear that FGM/C can cause devastating immediate and long-term health consequences for girls and women, high-quality data on these issues are limited. Psychosexual complications need to be further analyzed to provide evidence-based guidelines and to improve the health care of women and girls with FGM/C. The best treatment approach involves a multidisciplinary team to deal with the multifaceted FGM/C repercussions.

Health Consequences of the Female Genital Mutilation: A Systematic Review Running title: Health Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a general health concern. The World Health Organization has recognized it as a condition that endangers women’s health. This review study aimed to identify the types of health outcomes of FGM. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to create a critical view of the current evidence on the effect of circumcision on girls and women's health. In this study, we focused on the health risks of female circumcision. Academic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, SID, IranMedex, Irandoc, and Magiran were searched with regard to the health consequences of FGM from January 1990 until 2018. Eleven review studies met the criteria and contained 288 relevant studies on the risks of FGM. It was suggested that FGM had various physical, obstetric, sexual, and psychological consequences. Women with FGM experienced mental disturbances (e.g., psychiatric diagnoses, anxiety, somatization, phobia, and low self-esteem) than other women. Our study can provide evidence on improving, changing behaviors, and making decisions on the quality of services offered to women suffering from FGM. [GMJ.2019;inpress:e1336]

Female genital mutilation; culture, religion, and medicalization, where do we direct our searchlights for it eradication: Nigeria as a case study.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of violence against the girls and the women and also an infringement into the rights of the women in the society. It is practiced mostly in Africa, but migration has revolutionized its spread to almost all parts of the world. The government and the constituted authorities, our traditional rulers, the legislative, the judiciary, and the law enforcement agents have the machineries to stop this inhuman behavior, but they lack the will and the necessary information about the incidence and consequences of FGM. The review involved Internet and literature search mostly those written on the African continent and some that were specific to Nigeria from 1999 to 2018. This article reviewed the spread, the obstetrics and the gynecological complications, the roles of the traditional circumcisers, and the negative and the positive roles of the caregivers, especially its medicalization in the abandonment of FGM in Nigeria. The article also looked critically at the best ways to achieve zero tolerance to FGM. To achieve the targeted zero tolerance to FGM, the identified factors have to be tackled holistically.

Teaching about Human Rights: Female Genital Mutilation in America

Teaching about Human Rights: Female Genital Mutilation in America Increasing immigration from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East has enhanced cultural diversity in the United States. The wide array of foods, languages, customs, and unique historical experiences associated with immigration have contributed to the political, social, and economic fabric of a multicultural democracy. However, immigrants may also bring certain cultural practices which violate American constitutional law and various state laws. Moreover, these practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), are incompatible with American ideals of equality, social justice, and human rights. Recent research indicates that an increasing number of girls and women in the United States have undergone or are at risk for various forms of FGM. This practice is also a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed by the United States in 1948. This article will describe the nature, causes, and consequences of FGM on girls and women and articulate social studies activities and methods that teachers can use to inform secondary students about this human rights issue. This may stimulate student activism, a major goal in social studies. Furthermore, the article will describe the legal and professional responsibilities teachers must take if they have students at risk of FGM in their classes.