Knowledge,attitudes and practices of female genital mutilation/cutting among health care professionals in The Gambia: a multiethnic study (2013)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Adriana Kaplan,Suiberto Hechavarría,Mariola Bernal,Isabelle Bonhoure
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: Contribute to this field of knowledge by examining the knowledge,
attitudes,and practices regarding FGM/C among HCPs working in rural settings in The Gambia.
Study Population: health care professionals
Findings: A significant proportion of Gambian HCPs working in rural areas embraced the continuation of FGM/C (42.5%),intended to subject their own daughters to it (47.2%),and reported having already performed it during their medical practice (7.6%). However,their knowledge,attitudes,and practices were shaped by sex and ethnic identity. Women showed less approval for continuation of FGM/C and higher endorsement of the proposed strategies to prevent it than men. However,it was among ethnic groups that differences were more substantial. HCPs belonging to traditionally practicing groups were more favourable to the perpetuation and medicalisation of FGM/C,suggesting that ethnicity prevails over professional identity.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Gambia