Understanding the Experiences and Needs of Migrant Women Affected by Female Genital Mutilation Using Maternity Services in Australia

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice defined as the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-therapeutic reasons. Changing patterns of migration in Australia and other high-income countries has meant that maternity care providers and health systems are caring for more pregnant women affected by this practice. The aim of the study was to identify strategies to inform culturally safe and quality woman-centred maternity care for women affected by FGM who have migrated to Australia. An Appreciative Inquiry approach was used to engage women with FGM. We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions. There were four themes identified: (1) appreciating the best in their experiences; (2) achieving their dreams; (3) planning together; and (4) acting, modifying, improving and sustaining. Women could articulate their health and cultural needs, but they were not engaged in all aspects of their maternity care or considered active partners. Partnering and involving women in the design and delivery of their maternity care would improve quality care. A conceptual model, underpinned by women’s cultural values and physical, emotional needs, is presented as a framework to guide maternity services.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Education for Midwives and Nurses as Informed by Women’s Experiences: Protocol for an Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study

“…Semistructured interviews will be used to explore the views and experiences of women with FGM/C who have accessed or are currently accessing maternity, gynecological, and/or sexual health services in South Australia for this phase. Semistructured questions will be asked by the researcher using examples identified from previous studies that have investigated the views and experiences of women with FGM/C [ 16 , 28 ]. The questions will be asked in a flexible manner and adapted, omitted, or elaborated on to correspond to the individual needs of each participant.…”

Empfehlungen zum Umgang mit von FGM/C betroffenen Frauen im geburtshilflichen und pflegerischen Kontext

“…Hierbei sollten möglichst standardisierte Screeningfragen verwendet werden, beispielsweise bezüglich des Miktionsverhaltens oder bezüglich der Herkunft [ 5 ] . [15]. Weiterhin sollte ein Screening nach psychopathologischen Faktoren erfolgen, beispielsweise nach dem Vorliegen einer posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS), nach Angststörungen und Depressionen [18].…”

“…Weiterhin sollte ein Screening nach psychopathologischen Faktoren erfolgen, beispielsweise nach dem Vorliegen einer posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS), nach Angststörungen und Depressionen [18]. Betreuungsmodelle wie Shared Decision Making, Informed Choice und Evidence Based Care sollten obligat sein [5,15].…”

2. Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

“…Otherwise these may be inappropriate for their needs and/or the women may not use them. A very insightful Australian study from Western Sydney involved in-depth interviews and focus group discussions involving 23 migrant and refugee women with a history of FGM who had given birth in Australia within ten years or were pregnant at the time of the study (Turkmani et al 2020). These women appreciated their meaningful involvement in the care design and delivery, and regarded the time taken to build trust between healthcare provider and recipient as a crucial factor.…”