Knowledge, attitudes and practice of female genital mutilation and cutting: An observational cross-sectional study in primary care (FGM/C Study)

Robinson, Michelle; Prior, James; Mallen, Christian D; Shepherd, Thomas A

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) describes procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Increasing migration means many communities living in the UK originate from countries where FGM/C is practised. Consequently, clinicians in the UK are increasingly exposed to women and children who have experienced FGM/C.

Aim: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of primary care GPs and practice nurses (PNs) regarding FGM/C.

Design & setting: An observational cross-sectional study with GPs and PNs working in primary care in the West Midlands, UK.

Method: An online survey was circulated to GPs and PNs between September 2019 and December 2019.

Results: A total of 137 survey responses were received. Study participants were predominantly female (81.8%) and GPs (59.9%), with a mean age of 47.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 9.1). The survey found 19.7% of responders reported seeing >1 patient with FGM/C in the past 12 months. It also found 91.3% of responders had received some form of FGM/C training; however, the format and frequency of training varied and 34.3% felt they had received inadequate training to manage treatment of FGM/C.

Conclusion: The results have suggested varying degrees of competence and confidence associated with recognising and managing patients with FGM/C in primary care in the West Midlands. Given that patients with FGM/C typically present in primary care, it is important that clinicians can provide appropriate support underpinned by up-to-date training.

Citation

Robinson, M., Prior, J., Mallen, C. D., & Shepherd, T. A. (2023). Knowledge, attitudes and practice of female genital mutilation and cutting: An observational cross-sectional study in primary care (FGM/C Study). British Journal of General Practice Open (BJGP Open), 7(3), Article BJGPO20230005. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0005

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 2, 2023
• Publication Date: Sep 19, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: May 30, 2023
• Journal: BJGP Open
• Print ISSN: 2398-3795
• Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: BJGPO20230005
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0005
• Keywords: Author primary health care; FGM; circumcision; female; general practice
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/427238
• Publisher URL: https://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2023/05/03/BJGPO.2023.0005