913
Views
6
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

Knowledge, attitude, and experience of health professionals of female genital mutilation (FGM): A qualitative study in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

ORCID Icon, ORCID Icon &
Pages 1202-1218 | Received 27 Sep 2016, Accepted 07 Aug 2017, Published online: 06 Oct 2017
 

ABSTRACT

We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and experience of health professionals of female genital mutilation (FGM). The study involved content analysis of semistructured interviews with 21 health professionals. The participants had poor knowledge regarding different aspects of FGM including its types, prevalence, and complications as well as the existing legislation that prohibits FGM. They believed that FGM is mainly practiced for religious reasons and to reduce sexual desire/arousal. Health professionals are apparently not involved in performing FGM, and they do not support its continuation. Health professionals can take a leading role in raising the awareness of women and combating FGM.

Acknowledgments

This publication was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, via The Enhancing Life Project. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.