Can quality care improve health and prevent FGM/C? (GEM-FEM)

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a type of honour-based violence and a major public health issue. Though Sweden offers care for women FGM, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding how these women experience healthcare and what their actual needs are. In addition, there is a lack of research on how healthcare personnel regard FGM/C-related treatments.

The present study aims to further the understanding of the care needs of women who have been subjected to FGM/C and to analyse the attitudes of affected women as well as those of healthcare personnel. We also examine whether there is a connection between attitudes toward FGM/C-related care and support for perpetuation of the practice. Through the combination of interview-based studies and surveys we hope to broader understanding of women’s experience and of the perspective of healthcare personnel. Statistical analysis helps us identify patterns and factors that affect care.

The results of this research can contribute to improving healthcare provided to women affected by FGM/C through increased knowledge and reduction of stigma, as well as to strengthen the qualification of healthcare personnel. The present study also provides important insight for decision-makers and healthcare organisations that could entail more customised and efficient provision of healthcare.