1 / 14

Learning from North African women’s experiences of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)

This study explores the experiences of North African women living with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and their interactions with the NHS. It highlights health concerns, consequences of living with FGM/C, and communication difficulties. The findings emphasize the need for improved healthcare practitioner awareness and community involvement.

patsyj
Télécharger la présentation

Learning from North African women’s experiences of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Learning from North African women’s experiences of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) Judith Ormrod

  2. Definition FGM/C comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The WHO classify FGM/C into four types, the most extreme of which (Type 3) involves narrowing of the vaginal orifice. Reasons for FGM/C Legal aspects - Female Genital Mutilation Act (2003) amended by section 73 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

  3. Background Globally 200 Million women and girls have undergone FGM/C and a further 3 million girls undergo FGM/C every year (UNICEF 2016) Most women affected live in 28 African countries but also in the Middle East and Asia. The highest prevalence rates of 90% or more are found in Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

  4. FGM/C in the UK Due to an increase in international migration FGM/C is practiced amongst migrant communities in Europe and the UK. Macfarlane & Dorkenou (2014) suggest approximately 60 000 girls from birth -14 years were born in England and Wales to mothers who have undergone FGM/C. 103 000 women aged 15 - 49 and approximately 24 000 women aged 50 or above who have migrated to the UK and are living with the consequences of FGM/C. Manchester is a large vibrant multicultural city and the 2011 census highlights people born in Nigeria and Somalia as being amongst the top 10 countries of birth (ONS,2012)

  5. Consequences of FGM/C Short term – distress, haemorrhage, urinary retention, genital swelling, infections (Hepatitis B and C, HIV ) and death. Long term – urinary tract complications, psychological difficulties, menstrual problems, genital infection and pelvic inflammatory disease, sexual difficulties, infertility, obstetric complications, HIV and hepatitis B infections.

  6. The project North African women's experiences of living with FGM/C and NHS care. Gatekeepers - support from AFRUCA and Bolton Solidarity Community Association. Small qualitative study involving 10 women from Somalian, Nigerian and Sierra Leonean backgrounds. Involvement with NHS care Experiences of living with FGM/C.

  7. Three main themes Health concerns Consequences of living with FGM/C Communication difficulties

  8. Health concerns Issues which women living with FGM/C are comfortable accessing assistance from the NHS Issues which women living with FGM/C are uncomfortable / reluctant accessing help from the NHS

  9. Consequences of living with FGM/C Many women may not be aware they have been cut prior to involvement with midwifery / obstetric care. Psycho-sexual consequences. Emotional and psychological consequences. Physical consequences.

  10. Communication difficulties and avoidance Health care practitioner not knowing about FGM/C. Health care practitioner’s reaction to women living with FGM/C. Sensitive use of interpreters. Health care practitioner being aware of the setting, need for privacy, empathy and understanding of potential issues

  11. Take home points Ongoing challenges for many women throughout the life-span Difficulties for those women who may not be ‘legal’ and fear of accessing NHS services Supporting children from influence of extended family Lack of services Language and translator issues Being aware we have students and colleagues who are from practicing communities Community involvement is paramount

  12. References Berg RC Denison E (2013) A tradition in transition: factors perpetuating and hindering the continuance of Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C) Summarized in a Systematic Review. Health Care for Women International, 34;10,837 -859 Department of Health (2015) Female Genital Mutilation Risk and Safeguarding – Guidance for professionals Macfarlane A Dorkenou E (2014)Female Genital Mutilation in England and Wales: Updated statistical estimates of the number of affected women living in England And Wales and girls at risk. Interim report on provisional estimates. City University and Equality Now. Mulongo P, McAndrews S, Hollins Martin S (2014) Crossing borders: Discussing the evidence relating to the mental health needs of women exposed to female genital mutilation. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing 23,296 -305 Reisel D, Creighton S M (2014) Long term health consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Maturitashttp://dx.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.10.009 RCM,RCN,RCOG, Equality Now, UNITE(2013) Tackling FGM in the UK: Intercollegiate Recommendations for Identifying, recording, and reporting. London: Royal College of Midwives.

  13. Needlecraft Video

More Related