Elena Godoy-Molina
Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Spain
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Gen Med
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is traditional in multiple cultures. Migratory movements have turned Spain into a destination for population groups where it is still in force. Malaga is the Andalusian province with the highest prevalence of migrants from these regions (33.9% of the total number of migrants in Andalusia are from these countries). Our objective is to assess the level of knowledge about FGM of health/social work professionals in contact with population at risk. We designed a cross-sectional descriptive study analyzing the results obtained in a survey on basic aspects of FGM. The survey was answered by different professionals in the province who carry out their care work in the framework of Pediatrics, gynaecology, family medicine or social work. So far 150 surveys have been analyzed. 98.6% (148/150) of those interviewed report knowing what FGM is, but only 52% (78/150) correctly recognize its definition. Nigeria is the country most frequently referred to as the place where it is practiced (73.3%). Most of the interviewees (76.6%). No relationship was found between age, sex or area of activity and knowledge regarding legislation or protocols. 6.6% of the interviewees indicated having attended a case of FGM, being mostly gynecologists (33.3%). Those who had attended a case of FGM reported greater knowledge about the existence of protocols (p=0.043) and having received information/training on the subject (p=0.023) compared to those who had not attended. Practically all of the respondents referred to being interested in this problem. We observe a significant lack of knowledge of FGM and how to approach it in professionals in direct contact with the population at risk. Given that our province is an area with a high prevalence of practicing groups, we consider that it is necessary to promote and improve the existing protocols and training the professionals in this field.
Recent publications :
1. Kaplan A. Prevención y atención de la mutilación genital femenina. Manual para profesionales en Andalucía [Internet]. 2ª ed. Consejería de Justicia e Interior; 2018. Disponible en: https:// www.juntadeandalucia.es/export/drupaljda/publicacion/18/05/Manual%20profesionales%20 prevenci%C3%B3n%20MGF(1).pdf
2. Junta de Andalucía. Guía para la concienciación sobre mutilaciones genitales femeninas [Internet]. Consejería de Igualdad y Políticas Sociales; 2016. Disponible en: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/ sites/default/files/2020-04/Guia_Mutilacion_Genital_Femenina_0.pdf
3. Molina-Gallego B, Mordillo-Mateos L, Melgar de Corral G, Gómez-Cantarino S, Polonio-López B, Ugarte-Gurrutxaga. Female Genital Mutilation: Knowledge and Skills of Health Professionals. 2021 Jul 31;9(8):974.
4. Dawson A, Assifi A, Turkmani S. Woman and girl-centred care for those affected by female genital mutilation: a scoping review of provider tools and guidelines. Reprod Health. 2022;19:50.
5. Ezeoke GG, Adeniran AS, Adesina KT, Fawole AA, Ijaiya MA, Olarinoye AO. Female adolescents and the future of female genital mutilation/cutting: a report from an endemic area. Afr Health Sci. 2021; 21(4)1808-1816.
Elena Godoy-Molina is currently working at the Pediatrics Unit at Hospital Regional Universitario in Málaga, Spain. This work is part of a project with doctor of the world trying to improve the medical care for women affected by or at risk of female genital mutilation.
