Nurses Knowledge and Perceptions of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) A Literature Review

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is affecting at least 200 million women across the globe in 30 different countries. The act of cutting healthy genital organs for non-medical causes, is a basic violation of women's rights. There are many ways to justify FGM, and different communities have their own reasons for tradition. Reasons for FGM may include, for example, sexuality control, social and economic pressure, aesthetics, and beliefs about health benefits. Even though FGM is a crime in Finland, the nurses here must face victims of FGM due to increasing immigration.

The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ knowledge on FGM. The purpose was to provide information on different types-, risks-, effects- and cultural background of FGM. This was intended to provide information, which could be used in educating future nurses and others working with females who have faced- or are at risk of FGM.

Two main categories were generated from the data found: Information gap/lack of knowledge and post-care. Literature review found out that there is significant gap in nurses knowledge to FGM. Future research suggested on need for further education in university programmes and mapping out nurses current knowledge.