Magdy R Ahmed1, Mohamed M Shaaban1, Heba K Meky2, Mohamed E Amin Arafa3, Tamer Y Mohamed1, Waleed F Gharib1, Abeer B Ahmed1. 1. a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine , Suez Canal University , Ismailia , Egypt. 2. b Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Education , Port Said University , Port Said , Egypt. 3. c Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University , Cairo , Egypt.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, at least 200 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). The medical and sexual consequences have been documented, but the psychological impact has not been studied to the same extent. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between FGM and psychiatric problems among adolescent girls. METHODS: A total of 204 girls, aged 14-19 years, were included in a cross-sectional study conducted at Suez Canal University Hospitals. All participants completed an Arabic-validated, structured questionnaire covering nine symptom scales. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of psychiatric problems among adolescent girls who had undergone FGM. RESULTS: Overall, 66.2% of girls had undergone FGM. The percentage in rural areas was 91.8%, compared with 43.0% in urban areas. There were no significant differences between the FGM and non-FGM groups as regards religion, educational and socioeconomic levels. FGM girls had a significantly higher level of psychological problems with regard to somatisation, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety and hostility compared with non-FGM girls (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: FGM is a traumatic experience that may leave a lasting psychological mark and a negative impact on the psychological status of affected girls.
OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, at least 200 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). The medical and sexual consequences have been documented, but the psychological impact has not been studied to the same extent. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between FGM and psychiatric problems among adolescent girls. METHODS: A total of 204 girls, aged 14-19 years, were included in a cross-sectional study conducted at Suez Canal University Hospitals. All participants completed an Arabic-validated, structured questionnaire covering nine symptom scales. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of psychiatric problems among adolescent girls who had undergone FGM. RESULTS: Overall, 66.2% of girls had undergone FGM. The percentage in rural areas was 91.8%, compared with 43.0% in urban areas. There were no significant differences between the FGM and non-FGM groups as regards religion, educational and socioeconomic levels. FGM girls had a significantly higher level of psychological problems with regard to somatisation, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety and hostility compared with non-FGM girls (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: FGM is a traumatic experience that may leave a lasting psychological mark and a negative impact on the psychological status of affected girls.
Authors: M Idoia Ugarte-Gurrutxaga; Brígida Molina-Gallego; Laura Mordillo-Mateos; Sagrario Gómez-Cantarino; M Carmen Solano-Ruiz; Gonzalo Melgar de Corral Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-11-08 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: David Tordrup; Chrissy Bishop; Nathan Green; Max Petzold; Fernando Ruiz Vallejo; Joshua P Vogel; Christina Pallitto Journal: BMJ Glob Health Date: 2022-02