Abstract
Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice with
numerous negative health consequences. Due to migration from countries
where FGM is prevalent into high-income countries, there is increased
awareness within non-practising communities, with emphasis on FGM’s illegal
nature and the negative impacts on women. It is therefore vital for health
professionals to be knowledgeable to provide adequate patient care. Aim:
This review aimed to synthesise literature to report the understanding and
experiences of health professionals caring for females affected by FGM in
high-income countries. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on three
databases: Medline, Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied
Health Literature (CINAHL). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to
select the papers. Findings from included papers were synthesised using
thematic synthesis. Findings: Eight articles met the criteria. Four themes were
generated: FGM knowledge, training, attitudes and caring for FGM patients.
Conclusion: Health professionals’ knowledge and experiences of FGM tend to
be varied. This review highlights the need of training for health professionals
in high-income countries to strengthen their FGM knowledge.
numerous negative health consequences. Due to migration from countries
where FGM is prevalent into high-income countries, there is increased
awareness within non-practising communities, with emphasis on FGM’s illegal
nature and the negative impacts on women. It is therefore vital for health
professionals to be knowledgeable to provide adequate patient care. Aim:
This review aimed to synthesise literature to report the understanding and
experiences of health professionals caring for females affected by FGM in
high-income countries. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on three
databases: Medline, Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied
Health Literature (CINAHL). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to
select the papers. Findings from included papers were synthesised using
thematic synthesis. Findings: Eight articles met the criteria. Four themes were
generated: FGM knowledge, training, attitudes and caring for FGM patients.
Conclusion: Health professionals’ knowledge and experiences of FGM tend to
be varied. This review highlights the need of training for health professionals
in high-income countries to strengthen their FGM knowledge.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 100-106 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | British Journal of Nursing |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2023 |
