Female Genital Mutilation Consequences and Healthcare Received among Migrant Women

A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Data

ID15467252
AuthorsAlba González-Timoneda (0000-0003-1871-7758, Universitat de València, corresponding author), Marta González-Timoneda (0000-0002-2232-8547, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia), ANTONIO CANO (0000-0001-8046-0303, Universitat de València), Vicente Ruiz Ros (Universitat de València)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue13
Pages7195-7195
Publication date2021-07-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18137195
PMID34281134
OpenAlexW3180166681
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited31

European healthcare systems are increasingly being challenged to respond to female genital mutilation (FGM). This study explores the FGM experiences of migrant women coming from FGM-practicing countries residing in a European host country. A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out and 23 participants were included. Data were collected through 18 face-to-face open-ended interviews and a focus group and were 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

Biology · Female circumcision · Health care · Hermeneutic phenomenology · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Lived experience · Obstetrics · Political science · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Sex organ · Sociology · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Genital Health and Disease · Legal and cultural studies analysis · Medicine · Psychology

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