UK midwives' knowledge and understanding of female genital mutilation

摘要

Between November 2017 and January 2018 the researcher, with funding from the Research Building Capacity Collaboration (RCBC), conducted an online survey exploring the knowledge and understanding of female genital mutilation (FGM) amongst UK midwives working within the NHS. The results showed that 10.6% (N=56) of respondents reported having had no formal training in FGM as a student midwife or as a qualified midwife. Sixty-two point five per cent (N=322), said they had no specialist FGM service within their health board or trust, or were unaware of one. When asked about the World Health Organization (WHO) classifications of FGM, 78.9% (N=404) were able to correctly identify all four types. All midwives responding recognised that FGM is illegal in the UK. However, when asked what potential health problems could be caused by FGM, 5% (N=26) responded that FGM could cause blindness, 4.6% (N=24) dementia and 6.6% (N=34) scurvy. Qualitative data explored challenges of caring for women with FGM and key themes identified communication, labour and birth, re-infibulation, safeguarding, training and education and the future for FGM. Excellent communication skills and empathy are essential and more robust training and regular updates on FGM need to be developed. Furthermore, clear pathways for care and referrals need to be utilised as all midwives should take responsibility for the future of eradicating FGM in the UK.