Health complications of female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone (2012)
This study is a Explanatory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Bjälkander Owolabi,Laurel Bangura,Bailah Leigh,Vanja Berggren,Staffan Bergström,and Lars Almroth
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: health complications of FGM.
Objective: To explore whether and what kind of FGM-related health complications girls and women in Sierra Leone experience,and to elucidate their health care-seeking behaviors.
Study Population: Girls and women attending antenatal care and Well Women Clinics
Findings: All respondents had undergone FGM,most between 10 and 14 years of age. Complications were reported by 218 respondents (84.5%),the most common ones being excessive bleeding,delay in or incomplete healing,and tenderness. Fever was significantly more often reported by girls who had undergone FGM before 10 years of age compared with those who had undergone the procedure later. Out of those who reported complications,187 (85.8%) sought treatment,with 89 of them visiting a traditional healer,75 a Sowei (traditional circumciser),and 16 a health professional
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Sierra Leone