An exploration of attitudes towards female genital mutilation (FGM) in men and women accessing FGM clinical services in London: a pilot study

Abstract

This pilot study researched the attitudes towards and the knowledge of female genital mutilation (FGM) in adult women with FGM and their partners. The participant population consisted of English-speaking women and men over 18 years old attending specialist FGM clinics in two London hospitals. The participants completed a questionnaire on the attitudes and the knowledge of FGM, which were adapted with permission from the United Nations Children's Fund and the United States Agency for International Development household surveys. 54 participants (51 women, 3 men) took part in the surveys. 89% of participants thought that FGM should be stopped (95%CI: 0.81-0.97) and 72% said they knew FGM is illegal in the United Kingdom (UK). 15% reported that FGM caused no danger, or were unaware of any danger to women's health. This study demonstrates the opposition to FGM by participants, but some lack of knowledge regarding the legal and health implications. The exploration of attitudes in diaspora community groups is often cited as key to safeguarding girls from FGM. This is one of the first UK studies of individuals from FGM-practising communities, and we recommend use of the study questionnaires for a multicentre, cross-community study. Impact statement What is already known about this subject? Women and children are affected by female genital mutilation (FGM) globally and in the United Kingdom (UK). The majority of knowledge on practices and the attitudes towards FGM comes from UNICEF and USAID research in Africa and there is scant data on FGM practices in diaspora communities in the UK. What do the results of this study add? This study provides an appropriate questionnaire and protocol for use in community-based national research to improve healthcare for women by collecting up-to-date data on the attitudes towards FGM among the members of FGM-practising communities in the UK. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? The implications of the results of this study are that health professionals need to understand that patients do not always know the law on FGM, even after a consultation. Health and social care professionals are placed in a unique position to work with community members to educate men and women to end FGM.

Keywords: Female genital mutilation; attitudes; general gynaecology.