What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of health complications associated with female genital mutilation and examine health care-seeking behaviors.

July 1, 2012International Journal of Women s HealthOpen Access

Health complications of female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone

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Authors

OBOwolabi BjälkanderKarolinska Institutet BBangura LLLeigh LeighSt Bartholomew's Hospital

Discussion

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Implication

Cross-sectional study reveals frequent physical complications and low formal care-seeking in girls and women following female genital mutilation, highlighting an urgent public health need.

Key Points

To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of health complications associated with female genital mutilation and examine health care-seeking behaviors.
Conducted a cross-sectional survey using interview-administered structured questionnaires among randomly selected females attending antenatal and Well Women Clinics in Bo Town and Makeni Town, Sierra Leone (N = 258).
Questionnaires with open-ended questions were administered by trained female personnel following a feasibility study to refine the instruments.
All 258 respondents had undergone female genital mutilation (predominantly between ages 10 and 14), with 218 participants (84.5%) reporting complications, most frequently excessive bleeding, delayed or incomplete healing, and tenderness.
Undergoing the procedure prior to 10 years of age was significantly associated with higher reports of fever compared to undergoing it at an older age.
Among the 218 participants reporting complications, 187 (85.8%) sought treatment, but primarily from traditional healers (n = 89) or traditional circumcisers (n = 75), with only 16 seeking care from a medical professional.

Cite This Study

Bjälkander et al. (2012) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1ce05e5a7763abe789d8bb https://doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s32670

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July 1, 2012International Journal of Women s HealthOpen Access

Health complications of female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

OBOwolabi BjälkanderKarolinska Institutet BBangura LLLeigh LeighSt Bartholomew's Hospital

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Cross-sectional study reveals frequent physical complications and low formal care-seeking in girls and women following female genital mutilation, highlighting an urgent public health need.

Key Points

To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of health complications associated with female genital mutilation and examine health care-seeking behaviors.
Conducted a cross-sectional survey using interview-administered structured questionnaires among randomly selected females attending antenatal and Well Women Clinics in Bo Town and Makeni Town, Sierra Leone (N = 258).
Questionnaires with open-ended questions were administered by trained female personnel following a feasibility study to refine the instruments.
All 258 respondents had undergone female genital mutilation (predominantly between ages 10 and 14), with 218 participants (84.5%) reporting complications, most frequently excessive bleeding, delayed or incomplete healing, and tenderness.
Undergoing the procedure prior to 10 years of age was significantly associated with higher reports of fever compared to undergoing it at an older age.
Among the 218 participants reporting complications, 187 (85.8%) sought treatment, but primarily from traditional healers (n = 89) or traditional circumcisers (n = 75), with only 16 seeking care from a medical professional.

Cite This Study

Bjälkander et al. (2012) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1ce05e5a7763abe789d8bb https://doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s32670

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