A critical analysis of social regulatory policy : the case of female genital mutilation legislation in Nigeria (2008)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Isike Efe Mary FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To explore the implementation of social regulatory policy,using the case of the implementation of female genital mutilation legislation in Nigeria including identifying the main aims and objectives of social regulatory policy; the policy instruments employed in the implementation of social regulatory policy; the implementation process of social regulatory policy; and the challenges and successes experienced by implementors in implementing social regulatory policy Study Population: Relied on articles Findings: The findings of social regulatory policy analysis showed that public participation was critical to the effective implementation of social regulatory policies,as they may encounter implementation difficulties if there is no provision for public participation during policy formulation. This in itself can give the government a better understanding of the socio-cultural issues at stake. Further investigation revealed that the implementation of female genital mutilation legislation in Nigeria had been difficult,and crippled with challenges,due to a number of factors that hinder effective policy outcome. These challenges were not unrelated to the fact that democracy is still nascent in Nigeria. First,there was a lack of public participation in the policy formulation process,which had negative consequences for effective implementation. Second,policymakers did not employ suitable policy instruments and this has hindered the implementation of female genital mutilation legislation. Third,a lack of common goal definition between implementing agents and policymakers has led to problems during the implementation of the policy. Other problems which have hindered the effective implementation of the policy include lack of skilled adequate resources,both capital and human,needed for the implementation of the policy. Finally,this study showed that government’s failure to involve and collaborate with other actors/stakeholders through building networks with non-governmental organizations negatively affected the policy process Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Africa Country(ies):Nigeria Source

September 8, 2023

A cross cultural study of vaginal practices and sexuality: Implications for sexual health (2010)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Adriane Martin Hilber,Terence H. Hull,Eleanor Preston-Whyte,Brigitte Bagnol,Jenni Smit,Chintana Wacharasin,Ninuk Widyantoro FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: Gynaecological. Objective: To identify and document vaginal practices in four countries (Indonesia,Thailand,Mozambique and South Africa),to seek an understanding of their motivations and to explore the role they play in women’s health,sexuality and sense of wellbeing. The study also sought women’s report of adverse effects associated with specific practices and products Study Population: Women and men who were identified as using,having knowledge or being involved in trade in products Findings: This study documented a diversity of vaginal practices and their high prevalence in the general population,particularly in the Tete,Mozambique,and KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa. In the qualitative study,motivation for vaginal practices were mostly driven by the desire for maintaining health and wellness,and enhancing sexual pleasure,although the expression and extent of these motives varied considerably between sites. For anatomical modification: ‘‘Cutting’’ and ‘‘pulling’’ procedures used for modifying the vagina,or restoration of the hymen,practices included female genital mutilation,incision with insertion of substance into the lesion (scarification process,tattoos of the vulva or labia). Anatomical modification was uncommon,except in Tete,where 25% of women had undergone some kind of cutting in the vaginal area. There were different kinds of genital cuttings: incisions,excisions and scarifications. Tete women’s motivations concerned treatment of an infection or symptom,or enhancement of male pleasure and commitment. The latter rationale was also cited by most of the 3% of KwaZulu-Natal women who reported this practice. Labial elongation was reported by almost all Tete women,but was not practiced elsewhere. It was mostly framed as a practice essential for maintaining feminine identity (72%) and occurred from early adolescence onwards (mean onset of practice 11 years; sd=2.2). Women considered it important for male sexual pleasure (35%),maintaining partner commitment (37.6%). and sexual pleasure for women Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa,Southern Africa,Southeastern Asia Country(ies):Indonesia,Thailand,Mozambique,South Africa Source

A cross sectional study on factors associated with harmful traditional practices among children less than 5 years in Axum town,north Ethiopia,2013 (2014)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Kahsu Gebrekirstos,Mesfin Abebe,Atsede Fantahun FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To assess factors associated with harmful traditional practices among children less than 5 years of age in Axum town,North Ethiopia Study Population: mothers Findings: Out of the total sample size 50.7% children were females,the mean age of children was 26.28 months and majority of mothers had no formal education. About 87.8% mothers had performed at least one traditional practice to their children; uvula cutting was practiced on 86.9% children followed by milk teeth extraction 12.5% and eye borrows incision 2.4% children. Fear of swelling,pus and rapture of the uvula was the main reason to perform uvula cutting. Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Ethiopia Source

A cross-sectional study on pelvic floor symptoms in women living with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (2021)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Binkova,A.,Uebelhart,M.,Dällenbach,P. et al FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: Pelvic floor distress and the impact of pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms among migrant women with different types of FGM/C. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the pelvic floor distress and the impact of pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms among migrant women with different types of FGM/C. Study Population: women with FGM complications presenting at the Division of Gynaecology of the Geneva University Hospitals Findings: 124 women with a mean age of 31.5 (± 7.5),mostly with a normal BMI,and with no significant POP were included. PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 mean (± SD) scores were of 49.5 (± 52.0) and 40.7 (± 53.6) respectively. In comparison with the available literature,the participants’ scores were lower than those of uncut women with pelvic floor dysfunction but higher than those of uncut women without such disorders. Past violent events other than FGM/C and forced or arranged marriage,age at FGM/C of more than 10,a period of staying in Switzerland of less than 6 months,and nulliparity were significantly associated with higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms,independently of known risk factors such as age,weight,ongoing pregnancy and history of episiotomy.Conclusions Women with various types of FGM/C,without POP,can suffer from pelvic floor symptoms responsible for distress and impact on their daily life. Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Europe Country(ies):Switzerland Source

A Cross-sectional Study on the Prevalence of Cervical Dysplasia Among Women With Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (2021)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Martinez AA,Malinverno MU,Manin E,Petignat P and Abdulcadir J. FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of cervical dysplasia among migrant women with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) at a specialized clinic in Switzerland. Study Population: Women who attended a specialized FGM/C clinic at the Geneva University Hospitals between 2010 and 2016 Findings: Three hundred sixty records were reviewed and 338 women were included. The average age was 33 years (SD = 7.47 years). Most women were from Eritrea and Somalia (n = 204,60.4%) and had FGM/C type III (n = 188,55.6%). A total of 12.4% (n = 42) of the patients had abnormal Pap smears: 1.5% (n = 5) with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV),7.9% (n = 27) with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL),and 2.9% (n = 10) with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or higher (HSIL +). Of the 37 patients with dysplasia,22 (59.4%) completed follow-up and 15 (40.5%) received incomplete follow-up.Conclusions The prevalence of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion+ among migrant women with FGM/C is high (2.95%) compared with the general Swiss population (0.58%). Follow-up for cervical dysplasia must be improved by increasing provider knowledge of this patient population and by addressing barriers to care. Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Europe Country(ies):Switzerland Source

A demographic paradox: causes and consequences of female genital cutting in Northeastern Africa (2004)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Yount Kathryn M.,and Deborah L. Balk FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: . Objective: Study Population: Findings: Geographical coverage Region(s):Not specified Country(ies):Not specified Source

A Description of Female Genital Mutilation and Force-Feeding Practices in Mauritania: Implications for the Protection of Child Rights and Health (2013)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Nacerdine Ouldzeidoune,Joseph Keating,Jane Bertrand ,Janet Rice FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To establish the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) and force feeding (gavage) practices among children in Mauritania; to investigate factors related to FGM and gavage practices and attitude in Mauritania; and to explore implications related to the protection of children’s rights and welfare. Study Population: men and women (Data from the Mauritania 2000–2001 DHS) Findings: The overall prevalence of FGM was 77% but varied depending on ethnicity. The majority of both female and male respondents favored the continuation of the practice (64% and 70%,respectively). Almost a quarter (23%) of women reported being force fed as a child and 32% of women and 29% of men approved the continuation of the practice. Gavage is almost exclusively practiced among Arabs.The practice of both FGM and gavage is ongoing,although the prevalence and attitude towards both appears to vary as a function of ethnicity,wealth,education,marital status,and age. Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Africa Country(ies):Mauritania Source

A description of female genital mutilation and force-feeding practices in Mauritania: implications for the protection of child rights and health (2013)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Ouldzeidoune N, Keating J, Bertrand J, Rice J. FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: Prevalence. Objective: To establish the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) and force feeding (gavage) practices among children in Mauritania; to investigate factors related to FGM and gavage practices and attitude in Mauritania; and to explore implications related to the protection of children’s rights and welfare. Study Population: Men and Women Findings: The overall prevalence of FGM was 77% but varied depending on ethnicity. The majority of both female and male respondents favored the continuation of the practice (64% and 70%,respectively). Almost a quarter (23%) of women reported being force fed as a child and 32% of women and 29% of men approved the continuation of the practice. Gavage was almost exclusively practiced among Arabs. The study concluded that practice of both FGM and gavage was ongoing,although the prevalence and attitude towards both appeared to vary as a function of ethnicity,wealth,education,marital status,and age. Contextually relevant intervention and enforcement strategies were needed to challenge these cultural norms and protect the rights and welfare of children in Mauritania. Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Africa Country(ies):Mauritania Source

A hybrid,effectiveness-implementation research study protocol targeting antenatal care providers to provide female genital mutilation prevention and care services in Guinea,Kenya and Somalia (2021)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Ahmed W,Mochache V,Stein K,Ndavi P,Esho T,Balde MD,et al. FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: training for ANC providers to enable them to deliver person centered communication on FGM prevention. Objective: The objective of this implementation research study is to test the effectiveness of a two-level,complex intervention package in ANC clinics at the primary health care level in three sub-Saharan African countries namely, Guinea,Kenya and Somalia. Specifically,the study aims to achieve the following: Primary aims: To determine if a health system strengthening (HSS) intervention within the ANC context improves preparedness to provide FGM prevention and care services To determine if training ANC providers on personcentered communication (PCC) improves delivery of FGM prevention counseling for ANC clients in primary care settings Secondary aims: To determine if ANC providers who receive training on PCC for FGM prevention are more likely to have: 1) improved knowledge about FGM; 2) improved interpersonal communication skills; 3) improved self-efficacy and 4) less supportive attitudes towards FGM and its medicalization To understand ‘how’ and ‘why’ an intervention that uses a social norm change approach achieves its implementation outcomes,by measuring parameters such as fidelity,coverage,feasibility and acceptability of the delivered intervention Study Population: Health care providers Findings: The training on PCC for FGM prevention developed for this study draws on existing literature on personcentred care,a key component of quality health care. Available evidence suggests that person-centred care can lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients since health providers are better able to understand patient concerns and communicate more effectively,resulting in improved patient satisfaction. Effective interpersonal communication skills are essential for the delivery of person-centred care. Existing evidence suggests that health care providers tend to have poor interpersonal communication skills,low selfefficacy and knowledge regarding FGM prevention and care . Finally,the intervention package to be implemented and tested in this study builds on existing tools and knowledge,responds to country needs,draws on relevant evidence-based materials,is based in behavioural theory,while also recognizing the complexity of FGM as a social norm. For these reasons,the proposed study will generate timely scientific evidence on the effectiveness of strengthening the health systems,including building the capacity of the health workforce, towards effective FGM prevention and care Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Africa,Eastern Africa Country(ies):Guinea,Kenya,Somalia Source

A knifeless rite: influence of selected characteristics on the Marakwet of kenya’s perception of the counselling-based alternative rite of passage and levels of awareness of effects of FGM (2008)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Gladys Jerobon Kiptiony FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To determine whether selected personal characteristics and socio-economic background factors influenced perceptions of ARP and levels of awareness of effects of FGM Study Population: Marakwet people of Kenya in Marakwet District. Findings: The results showed that differences in gender,age,education,religion,wealth and status influenced perceptions of ARP and awareness levels of effects of FGM. the mechanisms that ensure women undergo FGM are still firmly rooted in the culture Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Kenya Source