Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): knowledge, attitude and practices of Flemish Midwives

Introduction Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful embedded practice with important impact on women’s health and quality of life.It has been estimated that 48092 girls/ women, originated from countries were FGM is practiced, are living in Belgium.Studies demonstrated that Belgian gynecologists and midwives are confronted with women with or at risk for FGM. However, little is known about knowledge, attitude and practice of midwives regarding FGM.Therefore, a survey was conducted among Flemish midwives Materials and Methods 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. Conclusions 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.status: publishe