Female genital mutilation: knowledge,attitudes and practices of Flemish gynaecologists (2008)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Leye E,Ysebaert I,Deblonde J,Claeys P,Vermeulen G,Jacquemyn Y,Temmerman,M
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To assess the knowledge,attitudes and practices with regard to female genital mutilation (FGM) among gynaecologists in Flanders,Belgium
Study Population: Gynaecologists,Trainees
Findings: The survey revealed gaps in the knowledge of FGM and the provision of care by Flemish gynaecologists to women who had been mutilated. It also appeared that FGM was not properly addressed in the basic and specialized medical training in Flanders,that little was known about codes of conduct issued by the hospitals when these were not lacking altogether,and that knowledge about legislation concerning FGM was deficient. There was much confusion whether re-infibulation is authorized,and what its legal status is. Some respondents considered cosmetic vaginal surgery as a form of FGM and many were in favour of the medicalization of FGM. Gynaecologists were most commonly confronted with complaints related to sexual problems caused by FGM. Finally,the study also showed that only about a third of the gynaecologists were discouraging women from having their daughters excised
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Europe
Country(ies):Belgium