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Female Genital Mutilation Consequences and Healthcare Received among Migrant Women: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Alba González-Timoneda

    (Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Marta González-Timoneda

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic Hospital, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Antonio Cano Sánchez

    (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Vicente Ruiz Ros

    (Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Alba González-Timoneda & Marta González-Timoneda & Antonio Cano Sánchez & Vicente Ruiz Ros, 2021. "Female Genital Mutilation Consequences and Healthcare Received among Migrant Women: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-17, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:7195-:d:588827
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shahawy, S. & Amanuel, H. & Nour, N.M., 2019. "Perspectives on female genital cutting among immigrant women and men in Boston," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 220(C), pages 331-339.
    2. Almroth, Lars & Almroth-Berggren, Vanja & Mahmoud Hassanein, Osman & Salah Eldin Al-Said, Said & Siddiq Alamin Hasan, Sharif & Lithell, Ulla-Britt & Bergström, Staffan, 2001. "Male complications of female genital mutilation," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 53(11), pages 1455-1460, December.
    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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    Cited by:

    1. Shamsa Al Awar & Kornelia Zareba & Gehan Sayed Sallam & Nawal Osman & Teodora Ucenic & Howaida Khair & Suzan Al Shdefat & Hadya Abdel Fattah & Sara Maki, 2023. "Legal Awareness and Practices of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) among United Arab Emirates Medical Practitioners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-13, March.

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