Perceptions of obstetrical interventions and female genital cutting: insights of men in a Somali refugee community

Abstract

Our work yields new insights into Somali reproductive healthcare through Somali men, namely: strong matriarchal support of FGC, discomfort in men's presence during delivery, and a strong aversion to cesarean delivery. Our findings support the need for advocacy to engage Somali women, their partners/spouses, and health-care providers in facilitating greater continuity of care, building greater trust as men become engaged throughout the spectrum of care in the decision-making process while respecting traditional norms. Cultural health navigators should bridge communication and support between providers and patients. Our work provides foundational knowledge to inform culturally appropriate health interventions within a Somali refugee community.

Reproductive health decision‐making among US‐dwelling Somali Bantu refugee women: A qualitative study

“…As found in the literature, refugee women often rely on husbands for decision‐making about birth control (Gurnah et al., ; Johnson‐Agbakwu et al., ). However, women also endorsed a collaborative approach with their husbands.…”

“…It is important that within the visit practitioners recognise this verbally to the women so as to promote a sense of shared goals. This may address some of the distrust of medical care providers often cited in the literature (Johnson‐Agbakwu et al., ).…”

“…Making appointments, explaining symptoms to providers and understanding the options and treatment plan remained an arduous task. Consequently, the Somali Bantu faced especially poor health outcomes (Dyer, ; Johnson‐Agbakwu, Helm, Killawi, & Padela, ; Upvall et al., ; Van Lehman & Eno, ).…”

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: sharing data and experiences to accelerate eradication and improve care: part 2

“…FGM/C-affected women possess profound distrust of the health care system, experience stigmatization, face language barriers, and fear interventions; therefore, they often delay or refuse needed care. This may result in adverse reproductive health outcomes [2,3,4,5]. Providers possess widespread knowledge gaps and lack the formal training and cultural knowledge on FGM/C-related care.…”

The odd couple: using biomedical and intersectional approaches to address health inequities

“…Furthermore, in the diaspora, a cultural fear of caesarian section on the part of women with FGC seems to influence the use of prenatal care as well as a timely arrival at the hospital during contractions. This in turn leads to birth complications but they are not due to FGC, per se [99]. Adding to this are complications of race that may also intersect with health care provision in the diaspora while it may not directly in natal countries.…”