Pilot study: attitudes towards and knowledge about female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) at London specialist FGM/C clinics
Hann, G.
Pilot study: attitudes towards and knowledge about female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) at London specialist FGM/C clinics - 2017
NMUH Staff Publications 124
<strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Introduction: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It is estimated that 137 000 females in the UK are affected by female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). These data are derived from FGM/C prevalence rates from their country of birth. Our study aimed to address whether there is a generational change in attitudes towards continuing the practice of FGM/C. The primary objective was to measure how commonly adults from practising communities report that they believe FGM/C should stop. Secondary objectives included assessing knowledge of the UK law, health risks of FGM/C and the relationship between their level of integration and attitudes towards FGM/C.</span><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Methods: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This was a pilot cross-sectional study using a written questionnaire, conducted from April to October 2016. The participant population consisted of English-speaking women and accompanying partners accessing the specialist FGM/C services at University College London Hospital and the North Middlesex University Hospital. Those who agreed were given an information sheet, consent form and questionnaire to complete in a private room in the clinic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Results: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ninety eligible patients attending 11 clinics were approached and 54 were recruited (51 female, 3 male). Forty-nine of the 51 (96%) female participants reported that they had undergone FGM/C with half aged between 5 and 10 years at the time. Twenty (33%) participants did not know which FGM/C type they had, with 15 (31%) having been cut with some flesh removed. Forty-eight of the 54 participants (89%) reported that they thought FGM/C should stop (95% CI 0.81–0.97), and none stated that FGM/C should continue; 72% (39/54) knew that FGM/C was illegal in the UK with 22% not knowing and 6% of answers missing. Four participants reported that FGM/C caused no danger to women's health. Of the 90 approached, eight declined with no reason, nine declined due to time pressures and 19 were ineligible or not approached.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Conclusions: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The results demonstrate general opposition to FGM/C by participants, but illustrate the imperative for women and men accessing clinics to understand UK law and FGM/C-related health risks. There is likely bias in results due to lack of information from non-attendees, who potentially represent different viewpoints. Our pilot study showed the need for a UK-wide study about attitudes towards FGM/C. Our study documents could be used with minor amendments to the design, as several participants had difficulty understanding some questions. Future research will help to shape government understanding and thereby policies, which will improve patient care, especially for pregnant women.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[<strong>Conference abstract</strong>]<br /></span></p>
Pilot study: attitudes towards and knowledge about female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) at London specialist FGM/C clinics - 2017
NMUH Staff Publications 124
<strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Introduction: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It is estimated that 137 000 females in the UK are affected by female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). These data are derived from FGM/C prevalence rates from their country of birth. Our study aimed to address whether there is a generational change in attitudes towards continuing the practice of FGM/C. The primary objective was to measure how commonly adults from practising communities report that they believe FGM/C should stop. Secondary objectives included assessing knowledge of the UK law, health risks of FGM/C and the relationship between their level of integration and attitudes towards FGM/C.</span><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Methods: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This was a pilot cross-sectional study using a written questionnaire, conducted from April to October 2016. The participant population consisted of English-speaking women and accompanying partners accessing the specialist FGM/C services at University College London Hospital and the North Middlesex University Hospital. Those who agreed were given an information sheet, consent form and questionnaire to complete in a private room in the clinic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Results: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ninety eligible patients attending 11 clinics were approached and 54 were recruited (51 female, 3 male). Forty-nine of the 51 (96%) female participants reported that they had undergone FGM/C with half aged between 5 and 10 years at the time. Twenty (33%) participants did not know which FGM/C type they had, with 15 (31%) having been cut with some flesh removed. Forty-eight of the 54 participants (89%) reported that they thought FGM/C should stop (95% CI 0.81–0.97), and none stated that FGM/C should continue; 72% (39/54) knew that FGM/C was illegal in the UK with 22% not knowing and 6% of answers missing. Four participants reported that FGM/C caused no danger to women's health. Of the 90 approached, eight declined with no reason, nine declined due to time pressures and 19 were ineligible or not approached.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Conclusions: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The results demonstrate general opposition to FGM/C by participants, but illustrate the imperative for women and men accessing clinics to understand UK law and FGM/C-related health risks. There is likely bias in results due to lack of information from non-attendees, who potentially represent different viewpoints. Our pilot study showed the need for a UK-wide study about attitudes towards FGM/C. Our study documents could be used with minor amendments to the design, as several participants had difficulty understanding some questions. Future research will help to shape government understanding and thereby policies, which will improve patient care, especially for pregnant women.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[<strong>Conference abstract</strong>]<br /></span></p>