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

Alba González-Timoneda, Marta González-Timoneda, Antonio Cano Sánchez and Vicente Ruiz Ros
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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

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-17

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.

Keywords: female genital mutilation; female circumcision; health consequences; women’s health; nursing; midwifery; migration; health equity; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:7195-:d:588827

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