Mimmi Koukkula1, Ilmo Keskimäki1,2, Päivikki Koponen3, Mulki Mölsä4, Reija Klemetti5. 1. School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. 2. Department of Health and Social Welfare Systems, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland. 3. Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland. 4. National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland. 5. Department of Welfare, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The tradition of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has spread in Europe as a result of immigration. Although it is known to have negative health impacts, the exact prevalence of FGM/C and its health effects in Finland are unknown. This study explores the prevalence of FGM/C, the sociodemographic characteristics associated with it, and its health effects among women of Somali and Kurdish origin in Finland. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Migrant Health and Well Being Study carried out in 2010-2012. This study uses data from interviews with Somali (N = 165) and Kurdish origin (N = 224) women. The participation rate was 37 percent for Somali and 54 percent for Kurdish origin women. RESULTS: The prevalence of FGM/C was 69 percent among those of Somali origin and 32 percent among those of Kurdish origin. Having no education and older age were significantly associated with FGM/C, as was marriage amongst women of Somali origin, and the practice of Islam among women of Kurdish origin. Reporting good self-perceived health was more common among women without FGM/C. Outpatient visits to medical doctors were less common among women of Somali origin with FGM/C, compared with women without FGM/C. About 26 percent of Somali origin and 39 percent of Kurdish origin women with FGM/C reported reproductive or other health problems because of FGM/C. DISCUSSION: FGM/C is more common in Finland than previously assumed, particularly among women of Kurdish origin. Women with FGM/C need improved access to culturally competent health services to address the health impacts of FGM/C. Education and outreach to immigrant communities to prevent future FGM/C are also urgently needed.
BACKGROUND: The tradition of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has spread in Europe as a result of immigration. Although it is known to have negative health impacts, the exact prevalence of FGM/C and its health effects in Finland are unknown. This study explores the prevalence of FGM/C, the sociodemographic characteristics associated with it, and its health effects among women of Somali and Kurdish origin in Finland. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Migrant Health and Well Being Study carried out in 2010-2012. This study uses data from interviews with Somali (N = 165) and Kurdish origin (N = 224) women. The participation rate was 37 percent for Somali and 54 percent for Kurdish origin women. RESULTS: The prevalence of FGM/C was 69 percent among those of Somali origin and 32 percent among those of Kurdish origin. Having no education and older age were significantly associated with FGM/C, as was marriage amongst women of Somali origin, and the practice of Islam among women of Kurdish origin. Reporting good self-perceived health was more common among women without FGM/C. Outpatient visits to medical doctors were less common among women of Somali origin with FGM/C, compared with women without FGM/C. About 26 percent of Somali origin and 39 percent of Kurdish origin women with FGM/C reported reproductive or other health problems because of FGM/C. DISCUSSION: FGM/C is more common in Finland than previously assumed, particularly among women of Kurdish origin. Women with FGM/C need improved access to culturally competent health services to address the health impacts of FGM/C. Education and outreach to immigrant communities to prevent future FGM/C are also urgently needed.
Authors: Chidimma Ezenwa Anyanwu; Kwasi Torpey; Olaiya Paul Abiodun; Olaniyi Felix Sanni; Ifeanyi Donald Anyanwu Journal: Int J MCH AIDS Date: 2022-08-30
Authors: Katja Çilenti; Shadia Rask; Marko Elovainio; Eero Lilja; Hannamaria Kuusio; Seppo Koskinen; Päivikki Koponen; Anu E Castaneda Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-24 Impact factor: 3.390