Author:

Keywords:

Female genital mutilation, midwives, attitude, knowledge, practice

Abstract:

Introduction and aim Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful, sociocultural 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. Good knowledge about FGM is considered as a basic competence of midwives. However, little is known about the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of midwives regarding FGM. Therefore, a KAP survey on FGM was conducted among Flemish midwives. Method A quantitative descriptive study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study population consisted of all midwives, working on labor wards, postnatal wards and maternal intensive care units (MIC). Results 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. Conclusion 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