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A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with female genital mutilation
Author(s) -
Dawson Angela,
Homer Caroline S.E.,
Turkmani Sabera,
Black Kirsten,
Varol Nesrin
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.04.033
Subject(s) - female circumcision , observational study , inclusion (mineral) , medicalization , narrative , medical education , family medicine , medicine , psychology , nursing , gynecology , psychiatry , social psychology , pathology , linguistics , philosophy
Background 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. Objectives To examine the FGM experiences and educational needs of doctors. Search strategy 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.” Selection criteria Observational, quasi‐experimental, and non‐experimental descriptive studies were suitable for inclusion. Data collection and analysis A narrative synthesis of the study findings was undertaken and themes were identified. Main results 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. Conclusions 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.