Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Knowledge and Attitudes of Regional Western Health Professionals (2018)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Sharmaa,S.,Raya,R. & Harvey,N.
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The aim of this research was to explore the knowledge,attitudes and practices of health professionals in a regional setting.
Study Population: General Practitioners,obstetricians,paediatricians and midwives working in a regional setting.
Findings: Health experts in this region have a comprehensive understanding of FGM. There were contradictory perspectives regarding the condemnation of FGM because of the apparent lessening of harm through its medicalization. Concerns focused on ‘how’ FGM was performed,rather than ‘if’ the surgery was performed. This is despite the World Health Organization’s opinion that medicalized FGM is a violation of human rights. This shows that knowledge may lack a deeper comprehension and be shallow. Several studies agreed that communication continues to be an integral component of management. The study provided new information on the self-efficacy of health workers. While health professionals lack confidence in their ability,their methods are centered on seeking assistance. While this is good management,it displays a lack of profound understanding. Low exposure to female genital mutilation (FGM) in regional settings correlated to a lack of experience and information,as informal knowledge sources persist. Lack of culturally relevant resources,such as liaison roles,and worse interpreter availability and quality have an effect on regional practices. The implications of this study’s findings for regional practice improvement included increasing staff access to resources and offering discussion forums. The field might benefit from additional research on the regional impacts of FGM management.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Australia and New Zealand
Country(ies):Australia