Crossing borders: discussing the evidence relating to the mental health needs of women exposed to female genital mutilation.

Mulongo, Peggy; McAndrew, Sue; Hollins Martin, Caroline J

Abstract

The terms ‘Female Circumcision’ (FC), ‘FG Cutting’ (FGC) and ‘FG Mutilation’ (FGM) refer to procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for
non-medical reasons. In practicing countries, FGC/FC is more widely used, as it is believed to be inoffensive, providing more impartial ways of discussing the practice. Positive beliefs about FC/FGC include virginity, marriage prospects, family reputation, or passage to adulthood. Regardless of terminology, the practice exists in at least 28 African counties, and a few Asian and Middle Eastern
countries. In Western society, FGM is considered a breach of human rights, being outlawed in a number of countries. With immigration trends, FGC is now prominent in Western society among practicing communities. While the past decade has seen an increase in studies and recommendations for health-care support related to the physical health consequences of FGM, little is known about the psychological impact and its management. For many girls and women, FGC is a traumatic practice,
transforming it to FGM and affecting their mental health. This discussion paper focuses on evidence relating to the mental health consequences of FGM, therapeutic interventions, and the mental health nurse’s role in addressing the needs of this group of women.

Citation

Mulongo, P., McAndrew, S., & Hollins Martin, C. J. (2014). Crossing borders: discussing the evidence relating to the mental health needs of women exposed to female genital mutilation. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 23, 296-305. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12060

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 18, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jul 24, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 24, 2015
• Print ISSN: 1445-8330
• Electronic ISSN: 1447-0349
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Pages: 296-305
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12060
• Keywords: female genital mutilation; intervention; mental health; nursing; psychological consequence
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/8896
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/inm.12060/pdf