Female Genital Mutilation Consequences and Healthcare Received among Migrant Women: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study (2021)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:

Author(s): González-Timoneda A,González-Timoneda M,Cano Sánchez A,Ruiz Ros V
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: Obstetric,gynaecological,genitourinary and psychological consequences of FGM.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the FGM experiences of migrant women coming from FGM-practicing countries residing in a European host country
Study Population: Migrant women and men of 18+ age coming from FGM-practicing countries residing in a European host country with FGM experience
Findings: The qualitative data was analysed using Giorgi’s four-step phenomenological approach. Three main themes were derived: “FGM consequences”,“healthcare received” and “tackling FGM”. Participants highlighted obstetric,gynaecological and genitourinary consequences such as haemorrhages,perineal tears,caesarean delivery,risk of infection,dysmenorrhea,urinary tract infections and dysuria; consequences for sexuality,mainly,dyspareunia,loss of sexual interest and decreased quality of sexual intercourse; and psychological consequences such as loss of self-esteem,feelings of humiliation and fear of social and familial rejection. Women perceived a profound lack of knowledge about FGM from health providers and a lack of sensitive and empathetic care. Some women perceived threatening and disproportionate attitudes and reported negative experiences. Participants highlighted the importance of educating,raising awareness and improving prevention and detection strategies. The findings disclose the need to improve training and institutional plans to address structural and attitudinal barriers to health equity across migrant families in their host countries.From the 23 experiences collected,20 women had undergone FGM,of whom 14 had
been mothers. The mean age of the men interviewed was 50 years,while that of the
women was 31.8 years. All the participants came from countries affected by FGM: Mali,
Somalia,Nigeria,Burkina Faso,Senegal and Cameroon,except for one participant who
came from Equatorial Guinea and was included in the study since she had close contact
and knowledge about FGM

Geographical coverage
Region(s):Southern Europe
Country(ies):Spain

Source