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Long-term consequences of female genital mutilation in a European context: Self perceived health of FGM women compared to non-FGM women

Author

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  • Andro, Armelle
  • Cambois, Emmanuelle
  • Lesclingand, Marie

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) concerns an estimated half a million women in Europe. The studies based in countries where migrant women have settled highlight the need for more accurate information on FGM health consequences, in a European health care context. Excision and Handicap (ExH) is a multi-centric survey based on case–control methodology and conducted in France to assess the long-term consequences of FGM, sampling both FGM and non-FGM adult women. The interviews were conducted in 74 mother-and-child health centres and hospital departments providing gynaecological and family planning services in five French regions. The two groups were compared on health indicators (self-perceived health, illnesses, symptoms) and functioning indicators (daily, sexual and reproductive life) for cases (n = 678) and controls (n = 1706). Multivariate logistic models highlighted FGM-related health problems. Among women living in France, FGM was significantly associated with poor health indicators: gynaecological and urinary infections (OR = 2.0), sleep disorders (OR = 1.4), intense pain (OR = 1.5), difficulties in daily life (OR = 1.5) and in sexual life (OR = 1.7) or tearing during childbirth (OR = 1.6). Our results suggest that, even in a favourable healthcare context, FGM exposes women to long-term health problems, including in areas neglected in previous research. They confirm the need to establish recommendations to help physicians understand these women's needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Andro, Armelle & Cambois, Emmanuelle & Lesclingand, Marie, 2014. "Long-term consequences of female genital mutilation in a European context: Self perceived health of FGM women compared to non-FGM women," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 177-184.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:106:y:2014:i:c:p:177-184
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.02.003
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    Cited by:

    1. Sabera Turkmani & Caroline S. E. Homer & Angela J. Dawson, 2020. "Understanding the Experiences and Needs of Migrant Women Affected by Female Genital Mutilation Using Maternity Services in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Nele Wulfes & Uwe von Fritschen & Cornelia Strunz & Nadine Kröhl & Roland Scherer & Christoph Kröger, 2022. "Cognitive–Emotional Aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Context of Female Genital Mutilation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-12, April.
    3. Livia Elisa Ortensi & Alessio Menonna, 2017. "Migrating with Special Needs? Projections of Flows of Migrant Women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Toward Europe 2016–2030," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 33(4), pages 559-583, October.

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