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. 2022 Oct;28(12-13):3174-3193.
doi: 10.1177/10778012211045710. Epub 2021 Nov 24.

Exploring Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Among Healthcare Providers in New York City

Moonkyung Min  1   2 , Tracy Wong  3 , Adeyinka M Akinsulure-Smith  1   4
Affiliations

Exploring Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Among Healthcare Providers in New York City

Moonkyung Min et al. Violence Against Women. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Given the increase of African immigrants from countries with high female genital cutting (FGC) prevalence, this study explored U.S. healthcare providers' beliefs and attitudes regarding FGC. A total of 31 professionals who have provided services to FGC-experienced women in New York City were interviewed; data were analyzed using grounded theory. Results indicated that, although a majority of respondents emphasized maintaining a nonjudgmental and open-minded attitude toward clients' experiences, some only focused on the negative aspects of FGC. Also, multifaceted efforts by providers to understand the cultural meanings of FGC and resolve their own cultural dissonance were identified. The implications for practice were discussed.

Keywords: African immigrants; beliefs and attitudes; culturally sensitive care; female genital cutting; healthcare providers.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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