Knowledge, attitude, and experience of health professionals of female genital mutilation (FGM): A qualitative study in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Shabila, Nazar P.; Ahmed, Hamdia Mirkhan; Safari, Kolsoom

doi:10.1080/07399332.2017.1365867

Cited by 11 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…This study revealed that the mothers or grandmothers usually decide to do FGM to the girls, a finding that agrees with other studies from Iraqi Kurdistan Region where the fathers and the men members of the family are usually not involved in taking the decision [15]. In most other settings such as East Ethiopia, mothers and grandmothers play a dominant role in deciding and organizing FGM for their daughters [21].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…The participants emphasized the terrible experience of going through FGM and the pain and the psychological effect of such experience. Going through the devastating experience of FGM or observing the practice at such a young age results in significant fear and other psychological effects in addition to the immediate consequences of pain and bleeding [15].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These old ladies and traditional circumcisers use very basic tools such as a razor blade and perform the procedure under unhygienic conditions. Therefore, these victims are at a high risk of developing complications, including bleeding and infection [15]. However, this should not make a case for the medicalization of FGM as it encourages its legalization.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The three main reasons provided by the study participants for FGM practice included reducing sexual desire in girls and women, having halal hands and religious requirement. Another study from Iraqi Kurdistan Region also identified religious obligation and making the food handled by girls and women halal as the main reasons for practicing FGM [15]. Religious obligation is an essential reason for practicing FGM in some other countries, including Iran (2.8%) [17], Sudan (26%) [20], and Nigeria (10%) [23].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A qualitative assessment of women’s perspectives and experience of female genital mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

2019

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Background Female genital mutilation (FGM) is prevalent in Iraqi Kurdistan Region, but there is a lack of adequate knowledge about how the practice is perceived by the women population who are the direct victims of the practice. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and attitude of a sample of Kurdish women of FGM and identify the main enabling factors for performing this practice and the barriers to ending it. Methods This qualitative study was based on six focus groups involving a sample of 51 women. We used a topic guide to lead discussions, which included questions on women’s perspectives of different aspects of FGM such as the reasons for practicing it, the positive and negative consequences, the continuation of the practice and tackling this problem in the community. Content analysis was used for the qualitative analysis of the data. Results The women had poor knowledge about different aspects of FGM particularly concerning the procedure and the consequences. The mutilated participants revealed the devastating experience of the pain and the psychological effects they have experienced. Reducing sexual desire, having halal (permissible by Allah ) hands, and religious requirement were the main reasons for practicing FGM. Reduction in women’s sexual desire and the related social problems with the husband were the main problems identified to be associated with FGM. Most women did not support the continuation of FGM practice, but some women still think that FGM should be left to the people’s preference. The participants identified raising people’s awareness, active involvement of religious leaders in prevention efforts and the issuance and enforcement of legislation against FGM as the primary measures to reduce FGM practice. Conclusion Passing through FGM at childhood is an overwhelming experience with long-term effects for women. There is still a significant segment among the women population that do not oppose the continuations of FGM and need religious and scientific evidence against FGM. Some reasons for practicing FGM are deeply embedded in the culture and traditions, and there is a need for extensive efforts to raise the awareness of the population and change their thoughts and behavior about FGM. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-019-0765-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A qualitative assessment of women’s perspectives and experience of female genital mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

2019

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“…This factor is essential in providing adequate care because women exposed to FGC have professed a greater satisfaction and comfortability in discussing FGC with health workers with prior knowledge of FGC [63,64]. Not only have healthcare providers acknowledged communication challenges with FGC patients and a lack of formal training or protocols guide for FGC [56], there have been studies that acknowledge poor knowledge regarding different aspects of FGC among healthcare professionals [65]. However, some studies emphasized that healthcare professionals may require the confidence to talk about the subject due to insufficient knowledge, may lack the experience in handling patients with FGC, or may lack understanding of patient culture [53].…”

Section: Barriers In the Healthcare Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers to access to the Norwegian healthcare system among sub-Saharan African immigrant women exposed to female genital cutting

et al. 2020

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Introduction Millions of women and girls have been exposed to female genital cutting (FGC). The practice of FGC extends beyond countries in Africa and Asia in which it is traditionally practiced. Women living with FGC in Norway have been reported to be in need of healthcare, but there is evidence of suboptimal use of healthcare services among this group, and we lack the women's perspective about this problem. This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions hindering access and use of the Norwegian healthcare system among sub-Saharan African (SSA) immigrant women exposed to FGC. Method This qualitative research was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling to recruit thirteen SSA immigrant women in Norway previously exposed to FGC. Interviews were conducted from October 2017 to July 2018. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis method was used. Results The findings indicate that women experience barriers both in reaching out to the healthcare system and within the healthcare system. Barriers prior to contact with the healthcare system include lack of information, husband and family influence on healthcare, and avoiding disclosing health problems. Barriers within the healthcare system include care providers with insufficient knowledge and poor attitudes of care providers. Conclusion This study reveals multiple barriers to healthcare access that co-exist and overlap. This indicates that SSA immigrant women are 'left behind' in being able to access and use the

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The motivation and engagement of student volunteers in volunteerism at the University of Gondar

Wondimu,

Admas

2024

Discov glob soc

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This study examines student volunteering at the University of Gondar in Ethiopia, aiming to understand motivation and areas of engagement. Using a mixed research method, data from surveys, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews were analyzed. The sample included 422 participants selected through probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Quantitative findings reveal that understanding the functions of volunteering motivates students, with a desire for learning experiences and applying their skills being primary motivators. The value function and career enhancement function also contribute to motivation. Survey results indicate that students engage in volunteer activities to enhance their resumes and have a strong belief in the importance of helping others. Notably, 47% of volunteer students focus on social and disability affairs. This study emphasizes the need for careful planning and implementation to encourage student volunteerism and maximize its benefits for all involved parties.

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Knowledge, attitude, and experience of health professionals of female genital mutilation (FGM): A qualitative study in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Cited by 11 publications

References 17 publications

A qualitative assessment of women’s perspectives and experience of female genital mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

A qualitative assessment of women’s perspectives and experience of female genital mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Barriers to access to the Norwegian healthcare system among sub-Saharan African immigrant women exposed to female genital cutting

The motivation and engagement of student volunteers in volunteerism at the University of Gondar

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