Peer-reviewed article
Facilitating Factors of Professional Health Practice Regarding Female Genital Mutilation: A Qualitative Study
María Idoia Ugarte Gurrutxaga, Brígida Molina Gallego, Laura Mordillo‐Mateos, Sagrario Gómez‐Cantarino, M. Carmen Solano Ruiz et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study examined what healthcare professionals in Spain identified as helpful factors for preventing and responding to female genital mutilation (FGM). Researchers interviewed 43 healthcare workers about their experiences and perspectives. The study found that preventing FGM requires changes to how healthcare systems record and monitor cases, plus better coordination between health, social services, and education sectors. Healthcare professionals emphasized that having a clear action protocol and training on how to use it are essential tools.
Key points
- More than 200 million girls and women have experienced FGM in 30 African and Middle East countries
- Increasing numbers of women from FGM-practising ethnic groups are arriving in Western countries
- Healthcare professionals play a fundamental role in FGM prevention
- Structural adaptations of healthcare systems are needed to facilitate recording and monitoring of FGM cases
- A protocol of action and training in its use are key tools for healthcare professionals
Limitations
This study is based on healthcare professionals' views rather than evidence about what interventions actually prevent FGM or improve outcomes for affected girls and women. The research does not measure whether having protocols and training actually reduces FGM incidence or improves care quality.
Abstract
Introduction: According to figures released by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), more than 200 million girls and women have suffered female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 African and Middle East countries. An increasing number of African women who come from ethnic groups where FGM is practised are arriving in Western countries. Healthcare professionals play a fundamental role in its prevention. Goals: To learn about the factors that healthcare professionals consider as facilitators for prevention and action when faced with female genital mutilation. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study developed on the basis of the qualitative methodological perspective, where 43 healthcare professionals participated. A series of analysis dimensions were established, based on which, the interview and discussion group scripts were designed. Results: Addressing FGM requires a series of structural adaptations of the healthcare system that facilitate the recording and monitoring of cases, both for treatment and for prevention. In addition, it is necessary to establish coordination between the healthcare, social services and education sectors. Conclusions: The existence of a protocol of action and training in its use is one of the key tools to take into account.