scholarly journals The impact of health education on attitudes of parents and religious leaders towards female genital mutilation

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
Deldar Morad Abdulah ◽  
Angela Dawson ◽  
Bewar Abdulaziz Sedo
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Iraqi Kurdistan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Female Genital

BackgroundPrevious studies conducted in Iraqi Kurdistan have reported that parent’s decisions to circumcise their daughters are based on religious or cultural beliefs. Despite the widespread practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), the effectiveness of educational strategies to change attitudes towards FGM has not been examined in this region. The present investigation examined the effectiveness of a short-term educational intervention to change the attitudes of parents and religious leaders towards FGM.Methods192 Mullahs (religious leaders), 212 Mokhtars (traditional leaders) and 523 parents in rural areas in Iraqi Kurdistan were invited to participate in a pre- and post-test community-based interventional study in 2017. The Health Belief Model informed the intervention, and participants’ attitudes were compared across two stages of the study.ResultsThe attitudes of Mullahs, Mokhtars and parents substantially changed from a position of supporting female circumcision to expressing a wish to abandon the practice and not cut their future daughters (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.42; OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.04 and OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.18, respectively).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that brief educational interventions can be an effective strategy for changing the attitudes of parents and public leaders towards FGM. Health education is a useful strategy for changing attitudes. However, such interventions must be delivered alongside other strategies to ensure a multifaceted approach to addressing complex social dynamics. A comprehensive public health approach is, therefore, necessary that includes legal measures, community-based action and an appropriate health system approach.

scholarly journals Female Genital Mutilation in Rural Regions of Iraqi Kurdistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (5) ◽  
pp. 514-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deldar Morad Abdulah ◽  
Bewar Abdulaziz Sedo ◽  
Angela Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Community Leaders ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Iraqi Kurdistan ◽  
Female Genital

Objectives: Although female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal in Iraqi Kurdistan, FGM continues to be performed frequently in Muslim communities in the region. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the prevalence of FGM among females living in rural areas of Iraqi Kurdistan; (2) assess the attitudes toward FGM of mothers, village community leaders, and religious leaders; and (3) compare the prevalence of FGM by maternal education. Methods: In a cross-sectional, double-randomized study of rural areas in Iraqi Kurdistan, we used a semi-structured questionnaire to interview 1657 mothers of 5048 daughters, 192 mullahs (religious leaders), and 386 mokhtars (community leaders). We examined data on maternal education level, daughters’ ages, whether daughters had experienced FGM, and attitudes about FGM. Results: A total of 2361 of 5048 (46.8%) daughters had experienced FGM. Of 1643 mothers, 565 (34.4%) supported FGM for their daughters in the future, although 825 of 1652 (49.9%) mothers were aware that it was illegal. Eighty-six of 192 (44.8%) mullahs and 339 of 382 (88.7%) mokhtars supported abandoning the practice of FGM. Support for FGM was significantly higher among uneducated mothers than among educated mothers (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-1.72; P < .001) and significantly higher among mothers with ≤9 years of education than among mothers with >9 years of education (PR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17-2.35; P = .003). Conclusions: FGM continues to be prevalent in rural areas of Iraqi Kurdistan. Public health interventions in this region are needed to improve knowledge about the harmful effects of FGM, its illegality, and the importance of prevention, particularly targeting leaders and households with low education levels.

Cultural Beliefs, Perceptions, and Experiences on Female Genital Mutilation Among Women and Men: A Qualitative Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110152
Author(s):  
Alba González-Timoneda ◽  
Antonio Cano Sánchez ◽  
Marta González-Timoneda ◽  
Vicente Ruiz Ros
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Traditional Practice ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Female Genital

The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is a deeply-rooted tradition that affects predominantly regions of Africa and Asia. Because of migration flows, FGM is an issue of increasing concern worldwide. FGM is now carried out in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, and more specifically among immigrant communities from countries where it is common. This study aims to assess the experience, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to FGM of migrant women and men from FGM-affected countries residing in Spain and the United Kingdom. A phenomenological qualitative approach was used. Participants (n=23) were recruited by using the snowball sampling technique until data saturation was reached. Data were collected through 18 open-ended interviews and a focus group. Of the 23 participants, 20 women had undergone FGM. The following five themes were generated from interviews: (a) FGM practice development, (b) knowledge about the practice, (c) reasons for performing FGM, (d) attitudes toward continuing or abandoning the practice, and (e) criminalization of FGM. The study here presented identifies a lack of information, memory, and knowledge about the practice of FGM and typology among women with FGM. The justification of the practice seems to be based on a multifactorial model, where sociocultural and economic factors, sexual factors, hygienic-esthetic factors, and religious-spiritual factors take on a greater role in the analysis of the interviews carried out. The participants practically unanimously agree to advocate the abandonment and eradication of this harmful traditional practice. The knowledge displayed in this study may provide a basis for improving awareness and healthcare in such collectives, aiming the eradication of this harmful traditional practice.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on pelvic floor symptoms in women living with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alzbeta Binkova ◽  
Marion Uebelhart ◽  
Patrick Dällenbach ◽  
Michel Boulvain ◽  
Angèle Gayet-Ageron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pelvic Floor ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Pelvic Floor Symptoms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Female Genital

Abstract Background Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) concerns over 200 million women and girls worldwide and is associated with obstetric trauma and long-term urogynaecological and psychosexual complications that are often under-investigated and undertreated. 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. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2016 and January 2019 at the Division of Gynaecology of the Geneva University Hospitals. The participants were interviewed on socio-demographic and background information, underwent a systematic gynaecological examination to assess the presence and type of FGM/C and eventual Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), and completed six validated questionnaires on pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms (PFDI-20 and PFIQ7 on pelvic floor distress and impact, FISI and WCS on faecal incontinence and constipation, PISQ-IR and FGSIS on sexual function and genital self-image). The participants’ scores were compared with scores of uncut women available from the literature. The association between selected variables and higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms was assessed using univariate and multivariable linear regression models. Results 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. Trial registration. The study protocol was approved by the Swiss Ethics Committee on research involving humans (protocol n°15-224).

scholarly journals The Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation on Psycho-Social Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110018
Author(s):  
Sarah O’Neill ◽  
Christina Pallitto
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Women's Lives ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Female Genital

The health consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) have been described previously; however, evidence of the social consequences is more intangible. To date, few systematic reviews have addressed the impact of the practice on psycho-social well-being, and there is limited understanding of what these consequences might consist. To complement knowledge on the known health consequences, this article systematically reviewed qualitative evidence of the psycho-social impact of FGM in countries where it is originally practiced (Africa, the Middle East, and Asia) and in countries of the diaspora. Twenty-three qualitative studies describing the psycho-social impact of FGM on women’s lives were selected after screening. This review provides a framework for understanding the less visible ways in which women and girls with FGM experience adverse effects that may affect their sense of identity, their self-esteem, and well-being as well as their participation in society.

scholarly journals Sexual Function in Women With and Without Female Genital Mutilation in Reproductive Age in South of Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahshid Bokaie ◽  
Samaneh Hatefi ◽  
Shahnaz Mojahed ◽  
Nasibeh Roozbeh
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
P Value ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Female Genital

Abstract Objectives: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is an important public health issue, especially in developing countries and it is still done in some parts of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FGM on the sexual function of women of reproductive age in Hormozgan province/IRAN.Study design: This study is a descriptive-analytical case-control study that was conducted in 2020 on 209 married women of reproductive age (15-49) in rural areas of Minab and Sirik counties in Hormozgan province/IRAN. Main outcome measures: The reliable and valid questionnaire FSFI for assessing female sexual function in the two groups was used after to obtain informed and voluntary consent from all participants and data with SPSS v: 16 software and with using descriptive/ Analytical statistics tests with a significant level of 0.05 were examined. Results: There is a significant difference between mutilated and non-mutilated women in the total score of sexual function(22.18±3.23 versus 23.41±2.52 respectively, p=0.023) and the domains of lubrication(3.04±0.62 versus 3.3±0.53 respectively, P=0.000), orgasm(3.81±0.63 versus 4.08±0.47 respectively, P=0.003), and sexual satisfaction(5.09±0.1 versus 5.37±0.87 respectively, P=0.017) But in the domains of desire, arousal, and pain in the two groups was no significant difference(P-value>0.05). Conclusion: FGM maybe leads to sexual dysfunction. Although most women were reluctant to perform mutilation on their daughters, more educational Actions are suggested to educate women about the impact of female mutilation on their sexual function. Counseling programs are also recommended to improve the sexual function of mutilated women.

scholarly journals The impact of community led alternative rite of passage on eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting in Kajiado County, Kenya: A quasi-experimental study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249662
Author(s):  
Samuel Muhula ◽  
Anthony Mveyange ◽  
Samuel Oji Oti ◽  
Martha Bande ◽  
Hellen Kayiaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Rite Of Passage ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Community Stakeholders ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Female Genital

Introduction In Kenya, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is highly prevalent in specific communities such as the Maasai and Somali. With the intention of curtailing FMG/C prevalence in Maasai community, Amref Health Africa, designed and implemented a novel intervention—community-led alternative rite of passage (CLARP) in Kajiado County in Kenya since 2009. The study: a) determined the impact of the CLARP model on FGM/C, child early and forced marriages (CEFM), teenage pregnancies (TP) and years of schooling among girls and b) explored the attitude, perception and practices of community stakeholders towards FGM/C. Methods We utilised a mixed methods approach. A difference-in-difference approach was used to quantify the average impact of the model with Kajiado as the intervention County and Mandera, Marsabit and Wajir as control counties. The approach relied on secondary data analysis of the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2003, 2008–2009 and 2014. A qualitative approach involving focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews were conducted with various respondents and community stakeholders to document experiences, attitude and practices towards FGM/C. Results The CLARP has contributed to: 1) decline in FGM/C prevalence, CEFM rates and TP rates among girls by 24.2% (p<0.10), 4.9% (p<0.01) and 6.3% (p<0.01) respectively. 2) increase in girls schooling years by 2.5 years (p<0.05). Perceived CLARP benefits to girls included: reduction in teenage marriages and childbirth; increased school retention and completion; teenage pregnancies reduction and decline in FGM/C prevalence. Community stakeholders in Kajiado believe that CLARP has been embraced in the community because of its impacts in the lives of its beneficiaries and their families. Conclusion This study demonstrated that CLARP has been positively received by the Maasai community and has played a significant role in attenuating FGM/C, CEFM and TP in Kajiado, while contributing to increasing girls’ schooling years. CLARP is replicable as it is currently being implemented in Tanzania. We recommend scaling it up for adoption by stakeholders implementing in other counties that practice FGM/C as a rite of passage in Kenya and across other sub Saharan Africa countries.

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