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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

Authors

Peggy Mulongo

Sue McAndrew



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

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