A systematic review of doctors' experiences and needs to support the care of women with female genital mutilation. Issue 1 (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dawson, Angela; Homer, Caroline S.E.; Turkmani, Sabera; Black, Kirsten; Varol, Nesrin
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. Volume 131:Issue 1(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.04.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7292

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="ab0005"> <title id="st0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="st0010">Background</title> <p id="sp0005">Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury for non-therapeutic reasons. Little is known about the knowledge and skills of doctors who care for affected women and their practice in relation to FGM.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0015">Objectives</title> <p id="sp0010">To examine the FGM experiences and educational needs of doctors.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0075">Search strategy</title> <p id="sp0015">A structured search of five bibliographic databases was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed research literature published in English between 2004 and 2014 using the keywords "female genital mutilation, " "medical, " "doctors, " "education, " and "training."</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0080">Selection criteria</title> <p id="sp0020">Observational, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental descriptive studies were suitable for inclusion.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0085">Data collection and analysis</title> <p id="sp0025">A narrative synthesis of the study findings was undertaken and themes were identified.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0090">Main results</title> <p id="sp0030">Ten papers were included in the review, three of which were from low-income countries. The analysis identified three themes: knowledge and attitudes, FGM-related medical practices, and education and training.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0020">Conclusions</title> <p id="sp0035">There is a need for improved education and training to build knowledge and skills, and to change attitudes concerning the medicalization of FGM and reinfibulation.</p> </sec> </abstract>