Peer-reviewed article

Capacity building for healthcare workers on preventing and managing female genital mutilation: Impact on knowledge, attitudes, skills, and quality of care-A systematic review.

Oringanje C, Oparah S, Pallitto CC, Okoro A, Otonkue M et al. · 1 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background Despite declining prevalence in some regions, female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a major public health issue, causing both immediate and long-term health complications. Objectives The objective of this present study was to determine the effect of training healthcare workers, providing access to resources for capacity-building, such as job aids, and its impact on knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward FGM and the quality of healthcare service delivery. Search strategy The following major databases were searched from inception to May 2023: CINAHL Plus, IRIS, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, without language restrictions. Selection criteria Controlled studies based on predefined objectives. Data collection and analysis Studies were independently assessed for eligibility and risk of bias. Data were extracted for meta-analyses and the evidence assessed using the GRADE approach. Main results Eight studies, including one cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), were included The RCT showed moderate-quality evidence that training plus information, education, and communication (IEC) materials significantly improved knowledge, care practices, and confidence compared to IEC materials alone (P < 0.001). Similar trends were reported in the observational studies (very low-quality evidence). Point-of-care flip chart visual aids helped providers communicate messages more effectively to clients. Conclusions This review found that providing FGM training to healthcare workers, in addition to capacity-building resources, may improve knowledge, care for women and girls with FGM, communication skills, and reduce their support for the practice. However, the limited number of studies and the overall low quality of evidence weaken the strength and limit the generalizability of the findings.