Women who Live with Female Genital Mutilation : Experience with Healthcare Providers
Abstract: Background: An estimated 125 million women live with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) worldwide. Despite it being internationally recognized as a human rights violation. FGM is still practiced in approximately 29 countries, most of them in Africa and the Middle East. FGM has no health benefits, whereas there are short and long terms negative consequences that can cause physical and psychological problems. Aim: To describe the experiences of women who live with FGM and their subsequent interactions with healthcare providers in countries where FGM is not a tradition. Method: A literature study based on ten studies with a qualitative research design. Results: Five main themes were found; Knowledge of FGM, Language Barriers, The Gender of Healthcare Provider, Interactions with Healthcare Provider and On Display. Conclusion: Patients had difficulties due to the language barriers. There was a preference for female healthcare providers. Patients were affected by interactions with healthcare providers as well as lack of knowledge. Patients also had their genitals put on display for others. Clinical significance: With increasing migration, it is important that healthcare providers do not judge, but instead treat and care for these women with respect and empathy.
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