This pilot study researched the attitudes towards and the knowledge of female genital mutilation (FGM) in adult women with FGM and their partners. The participant population consisted of English-speaking women and men over 18 years old attending specialist FGM clinics in two London hospitals. The participants completed a questionnaire on the attitudes and the knowledge of FGM, which were adapted with permission from the United Nations Children's Fund and the United States Agency for International Development household surveys. 54 participants (51 women, 3 men) took part in the surveys. 89% of participants thought that FGM should be stopped (95%CI: 0.81-0.97) and 72% said they knew FGM is illegal in the United Kingdom (UK). 15% reported that FGM caused no danger, or were unaware of any danger to women's health. This study demonstrates the opposition to FGM by participants, but some lack of knowledge regarding the legal and health implications. The exploration of attitudes in diaspora community groups is often cited as key to safeguarding girls from FGM. This is one of the first UK studies of individuals from FGM-practising communities, and we recommend use of the study questionnaires for a multicentre, cross-community study. Impact statement What is already known about this subject? Women and children are affected by female genital mutilation (FGM) globally and in the United Kingdom (UK). The majority of knowledge on practices and the attitudes towards FGM comes from UNICEF and USAID research in Africa and there is scant data on FGM practices in diaspora communities in the UK. What do the results of this study add? This study provides an appropriate questionnaire and protocol for use in community-based national research to improve healthcare for women by collecting up-to-date data on the attitudes towards FGM among the members of FGM-practising communities in the UK. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? The implications of the results of this study are that health professionals need to understand that patients do not always know the law on FGM, even after a consultation. Health and social care professionals are placed in a unique position to work with community members to educate men and women to end FGM.
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AimsIt is estimated that 1 37 000 females in the UK are affected by female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), of which 10 000 are under 15 years old. This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to address the knowledge gap in the UK regarding attitudes towards the continuation of FGM/C: an important child protection and legal issue. The primary objective was to measure the proportion of adults who report that they believe FGM/C should stop. Secondary objectives included assessing knowledge of the FGM/C UK law and health risks.MethodsThe participant population consisted of English-speaking adults accessing specialist FGM/C services at two hospitals. Eligible women and accompanying partners were approached. Those who consented to participate were given an information sheet, consent form and questionnaire to complete in a private room in the clinic.Results54 (51 women, three men) from 90 eligible participants asked, participated. 96% (49/51) of the women reported they had undergone FGM/C, with half aged between five and ten at the time. 33% of participants did not know which FGM/C type they had, and 31% said they were ‘cut, with some flesh removed’. 89% (48/54) of participants reported they thought FGM/C should stop (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.97), and none stated that FGM/C should continue. 72% (39/54) knew FGM/C was illegal in the UK with 22% not knowing and 6% of answers missing. Four participants reported that FGM/C caused no danger to women’s health.ConclusionThe results demonstrate most opposed FGM/C in this sample, but illustrates the imperative for those from practicing communities to understand UK law and FGM/C-related health risks. Non-attendees may represent different viewpoints; bias is therefore likely. This pilot supports the necessity for a UKwide study regarding attitudes towards FGM/C. Our study documents could be used with minor amendments to the design, as several participants had difficulties understanding certain questions. Safeguarding children in the context of FGM/C is everybody’s business. The outcomes of future research will help shape government understanding and policies, and improve prevention strategies to end FGM/C.
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