Coping and chronic psychosocial consequences of female genital mutilation in The Netherlands (2012)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Vloeberghs E,van der Kwaak A,Knipscheer J,van den Muijsenbergh M
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: Chronic psychosocial.
Objective: The study presented in this article explored psychosocial and relational problems of African immigrant women in The Netherlands who underwent female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C),the causes they attribute to these problems–in particular,their opinions about the relationship between these problems and their circumcision–and the way they cope with these health complaints.
Study Population: women
Findings: One in six respondents suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),and one-third reported symptoms related to depression or anxiety. The negative feelings caused by FGM/C became more prominent during childbirth or when suffering from physical problems. Migration to the Netherlands led to a shift in how women perceive FGM,making them more aware of the negative consequences of FGM. Many women felt ashamed to be examined by a physician and avoided visiting doctors who did not conceal their astonishment about the FGM.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Europe
Country(ies):Netherlands