Author:

Keywords:

Female genital mutilation, midwives, attitude, knowledge, practice

Abstract:

Background Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful, socio-cultural embedded practice with important impact on women’s health and quality of life. It has been estimated that 48092 girls and women, originated from countries were FGM is practiced, are living in Belgium. Studies have demonstrated that Belgian gynecologists and midwives are confronted with women with or at risk for FGM. However, little is known about the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of midwives regarding FGM. Aims and objectives The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude an practices of Flemish midwives regarding FGM Method A quantitative descriptive study was conducted between October 2012 and March 2013, using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The study population consisted of all midwives, actively working on labor wards, postnatal wards and maternal intensive care units (MIC) in 65 hospitals in the Northern region of Belgium (n=2304). The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Ghent University Hospital (EC/2012/600). By completing the questionnaire, the participants automatically agreed to the terms of the study. Findings Eight hundred and twenty valid questionnaires (40,9%) were returned. More than fifteen percent of the respondents were recently confronted with FGM. About 51.6% were faced with complications caused by FGM, mainly the psycho-sexual consequences. Few midwives were aware of existing guidelines regarding FGM (3,5%) and only 20,4% knew of the exact content of the law. The majority of midwives condemned the harmful traditional practice: FGM was experienced as a form of violence against women or a violation of human rights. Only 25,9% declared that FGM forms a part of their midwifery program. The vast majority of respondents (92,5%) indicated a need for more training regarding FGM. Conclusions and implications This study indicates that Flemish midwives are confronted with FGM and its complications and highlights the gaps in knowledge on FGM. This may interfere with the provision of adequate care and prevention of FGM for the newborn daughter and underlines the need for appropriate training of (student)midwives regarding FGM as well as for the development and dissemination of clear guidelines in Flemish hospitals.