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Salah N, Cottler-Casanova S, Petignat P, Abdulcadir J. Investigating Factors Associated with Migration and Cultural Adaptation in Relation to Change in Attitudes and Behavior towards Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) among Populations from FGM/C-Practicing Countries Living in Western Countries: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:528. [PMID: 38791743 PMCID: PMC11121382 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates a significant decrease in support for female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) within post-migration communities in Western countries. Addressing knowledge gaps and comprehending the factors associated with FGM/C discontinuation in these communities is crucial. The objective of this scoping review is to describe the effects of migration and cultural change on factors supporting FGM/C cessation in migrant communities. The review, from 2012 to 2023, included the following databases: Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, Swisscovery, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and gray literature. Applying the PRISMA-ScR framework, we identified 2819 studies, with 17 meeting the inclusion criteria. The results revealed seven key factors shaping attitudes and behavior toward FGM/C abandonment: (1) legislation against FGM/C, (2) knowing that FGM/C is not a religious requirement, (3) enhancing education about the practice, (4) migration and cultural change, (5) awareness of the harmful effects of FGM/C, (6) a positive view of uncut girls, and (7) a sense of self-agency. These findings highlight factors on a social, community, interpersonal, and personal level that enhance the abandonment of the practice. Further research in the FGM/C field will gain more accuracy in understanding and accounting for these multilevel factors in post-migration settings, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions to promote the cessation of the practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasteha Salah
- Division of Gynaecology, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.C.-C.); (P.P.)
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sara Cottler-Casanova
- Division of Gynaecology, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.C.-C.); (P.P.)
| | - Patrick Petignat
- Division of Gynaecology, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.C.-C.); (P.P.)
| | - Jasmine Abdulcadir
- Division of Gynaecology, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.C.-C.); (P.P.)
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Besera G, Goldberg H, Okoroh EM, Snead MC, Johnson-Agbakwu CE, Goodwin MM. Attitudes and Experiences Surrounding Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the United States: A Scoping Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:449-482. [PMID: 36542264 PMCID: PMC10981529 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01437-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To identify research and gaps in literature about FGM/C-related attitudes and experiences among individuals from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States, we conducted a scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework. We searched Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), PubMed, and SCOPUS and conducted a grey literature search for studies assessing attitudes or experiences related to FGM/C with data collected directly from individuals from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States. The search yielded 417 studies, and 40 met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that women and men from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States generally oppose FGM/C, and that women with FGM/C have significant physical and mental health needs and have found US healthcare providers to lack understanding of FGM/C. Future research can improve measurement of FGM/C by taking into account the sociocultural influences on FGM/C-related attitudes and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghenet Besera
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, Georgia
| | | | - Ekwutosi M Okoroh
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, Georgia
| | - Margaret Christine Snead
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, Georgia.
| | - Crista E Johnson-Agbakwu
- Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, Georgia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Valleywise Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, Georgia
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, Georgia
- District Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ, Georgia
| | - Mary M Goodwin
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, Georgia
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Oztig LI. Does local resistance impact the transnational normative environment? The case of female genital mutilation (FGM). Health Care Women Int 2022:1-21. [PMID: 36194445 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2022.2129644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
More than 200 million girls and women today are estimated to have gone through female genital mutilation (FGM). In this study, I make a novel contribution to the global literature on FGM by examining domestic resistance to the anti-FGM norm in the context of norm diffusion processes. I provide a novel theoretical perspective to the study of FGM by introducing a compromise-building approach. According to this approach, strong local resistance to a transnational norm that obligates the removal of harmful traditional practices might motivate some transnational norm advocates to support a compromise solution to minimize harm, leading to normative contestation in the transnational domain. This approach is illustrated by the rise of advocacy for medicalized and minor forms of FGM as a harm reduction strategy as a result of the continuation of traditional forms of FGM. The compromise-building approach also brings a new theoretical perspective to the literature on norm diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacin Idil Oztig
- Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Sara BA, Rubin SE, Haile ZT, Alemu DG, Azulay Chertok IR. Factors associated with men's opinion about female genital mutilation in Ethiopia. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2022; 32:100721. [PMID: 35354114 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2022.100721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a human rights violation against women and girls causing serious short and long-term health complications. Despite being a criminal offence in Ethiopia since 2004, the practice continues. Minimal research has been published on factors associated with men's opinion about FGM in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE AND AIMS The present cross-sectional study used secondary data to identify factors associated with men's opinions about the practice of FGM. METHODS Secondary data analysis was conducted using data from 8,718 men who responded to the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS). The dependent variable was men's opinion about FGM. Demographic, socioeconomic, and other characteristics were examined. RESULTS Variables associated with men's support for FGM were lack of education (AOR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1.93, 4.40, p = <0.001), poor wealth index (AOR, 1.76; 95% CI 1.32, 2.35, p = 0.001), ethnically Afar (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.95, p = 0.009) and Somali (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.54, p = 0.015), Muslim religion (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.13, 2.50, p = 0.007), and support for wife beating with at least one justification (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.66, 2.50, p = <0.001). CONCLUSION Lack of education, poor household wealth index, being Muslim and being a member of the Afar or Somali ethnicity and having a tendency that it is appropriate for a husband to beat his wife, were positively associated support for FGM. These findings suggest that context-specific interventions are needed to eradicate the practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany A Sara
- Global Health Initiative, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Grover Center, 89 Richland Ave, Athens, OH, United States.
| | - Sarah E Rubin
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Cleveland, OH, United States.
| | - Zelalem T Haile
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Dublin, OH, United States.
| | - Dawit G Alemu
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States.
| | - Ilana R Azulay Chertok
- School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States.
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Akinsulure-Smith AM, Wong T, Min M. Addressing Female Genital Cutting among service providers in New York. PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY-RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 52:202-212. [PMID: 34556896 DOI: 10.1037/pro0000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy Wong
- Brooklyn College. City University of New York
| | - Moonkyung Min
- The City College of New York, City University of New York
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Decision-Making Process in Female Genital Mutilation: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103362. [PMID: 32408674 PMCID: PMC7277396 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Female genital mutilation/cutting “FGM/C” is a deep-rooted damaging practice. Despite the growing efforts to end this practice, the current trends of its decline are not enough to overcome the population’s underlying growth. The aim of this research is to investigate the FGM/C household decision-making process and identify the main household decision-makers. A review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted by searching PubMed, JSTOR, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO, and CINAHL Plus via systematic search using keywords. The found publications were screen using inclusion and exclusion criteria in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After critical appraisal, seventeen articles were included in this review. The data extracted from the articles regarding FGM/C household-decision making process and decision-makers were analyzed using narrative analysis. FGM/C decision-making process varies from a region to another; however, it generally involves more than one individual, and each one has different power over the decision. Fathers, mothers, and grandmothers are the main decision-makers. It was shown from this review that opening the dialogue regarding FGM/C between sexes may lead to a productive decision-making process. The participation of fathers in the decision-making may free the mothers from the social-pressure and responsibility of carrying on traditions and create a more favorable environment to stop FGM/C practice.
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Axelsson TK, Strid S. Minority migrant men's attitudes toward female genital mutilation: Developing strategies to engage men. Health Care Women Int 2019; 41:709-726. [PMID: 31747359 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2019.1687707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This article explores minority migrant men's attitudes towards female genital mutilation (FGM), and how these attitudes can be used to develop strategies to engage men in the eradication of FGM. Based on interviews and focus group discussions, the article finds that men's attitudes can be enabling, disabling or neutral: the identification of and variations between these need to be taken into account when developing strategies to engage men in the eradication of FGM. There is currently a window of opportunity for involving minority migrant men in the prevention of FGM and in the challenging of a minority migrant gender regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias K Axelsson
- Education, Center for Feminist Social Studies, School of Humanities, Education and Social Science, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Sofia Strid
- Gender Studies, Center for Feminist Social Studies, School of Humanities, Education and Social Science, Örebro University, Sweden
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Wahlberg A, Påfs J, Jordal M. Pricking in the African Diaspora: Current Evidence and Recurrent Debates. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-019-00198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Hassanen S, Woldu DO, Mkuu R. The effects of migration on the practice and perception Female Genital Cutting (FGC) among the Horn of Africa's immigrants in Melbourne Australia. AIMS Public Health 2019; 6:67-78. [PMID: 30931343 PMCID: PMC6433612 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2019.1.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This research examines the effects of migration on the practice and perception of Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C) among Horn of Africa immigrants in Melbourne Australia. According to UN 2016 report, on (FGM/C), there are at least 200 million girls and women alive today globally that have undergone some of form of FGM/C. The same report highlights that most of these practices are concentrated in parts of Africa, Middle East and South Asia. Our research employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with 50 men and women informants and five focus groups among the Horn of Africa immigrants living in Melbourne Australia. Interview and focus group data were analysed using MAXQUDA text analysis software to see emerging themes from the data. Upon the examination of the interviews and focus group data, we found that gender and immigration were the two factors that influenced immigrant's perception about FGC. Understanding the social and cultural dynamics on the perception of FGC among immigrant communities in the West could help in devising appropriate interventions to tackle FGC in several groups where this practice is commonly occurring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Hassanen
- Research Scientist, Department of Social Anthropology, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Dawit Okubatsion Woldu
- Assistant Professor, University of Houston-Clear Lake, College of Human Sciences and Humanities, Anthropology and Cross-cultural Studies, USA
| | - Rahma Mkuu
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, USA
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Shahawy S, Amanuel H, Nour N. Perspectives on female genital cutting among immigrant women and men in Boston. Soc Sci Med 2019; 220:331-339. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Powell RA, Mwangi-Powell FN. Female genital mutilation and the Sustainable Development Goals: The importance of research. Health Care Women Int 2018; 38:521-526. [PMID: 28481193 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2017.1324118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R A Powell
- a MWAPO Health Development Group , Nairobi , Kenya
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