The Role of Health Professionals in Prevention, Assessment, and Management

Female Genital Mutilation
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1 Simpson, J., Robinson, K., Creighton, S., & Hodes, D. (2012). Female genital mutilation: the role of health professionals in prevention, assessment, and management. BMJ, 344(mar14 1), e1361-e1361. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e1361
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is aligned with the need to evaluate the implication of the female genital mutilation. The paper’s central theme however, is on the role and the professional medical practitioner can play to reduce the vive across the globe. The paper advices on the various ways that the medical practitioners can make talking about FGM a relatively easy subject. It also helps the medical practitioners the various ways that they can identify persons that are affected by FGM. This way they are able to offer help, if they identify the persons that are most likely affected by the vice. The authors also purpose to educate the health practitioners on the ways that they can offer assistance to those persons who are affected.
Method
The study which was carried in the United Kingdom, used previously written papers to bring out the premise of the paper, using the qualitative research method. As such the paper took the form of a literature review. They went about the study, by collecting information and facts from past research and government publications.
Results
The results of the study are highly related to the UK population and by extension is compared to the world statistics. As such, the authors gathered information about FGM in the UK and compare it to the global statistics.
Discussion
This article helps to better understand the implication of the vice and the roles that medical practitioner should play to reduce the impacts. However, it should be more generalized other than relying on the UK data.
Future implications
In the paper, there is a section that indicates the future of the fight against FGM, stating that community based programs should be combined with legislation to combat the vice. To make the research stronger, it would be crucial to use data from affected areas and make viable suggestion based on them, other using data from the UK.
2 Kandil, M. (2012). Female circumcision: Limiting the harm. F1000research. http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.1-23.v2
Purpose
The paper has the central purpose of evaluating the various aspects of harm that is exposed to those girls and women that are taken through the female circumcision practices. As such the authors, try to review the strength of the existing evidence which links several health hazards to the female genital mutilation practices. It further establishes the elements limiting harm exposed to millions of women in the world, who are at the risk of going through female genital mutilation.
Method
The study is a literature review type as under the methodology of study, the researchers in the case used various databases to search for the past researches in the field of medicine. Using databases such Google Scholar, Medline and PubMed, the researchers, searched for existing research papers on female genital mutilation and the impacts that the practices have on health. As such, the researchers used qualitative research method to evaluate the impacts of FGM on health.
Results
According to the reviews, female genital mutilation is still practiced in some of the developed nations as well as the developing nations where it is more common. The practices are associated with strong traditional ties.
Discussion
According to the study the best way to reduce the practice and the implications is to make sure that medical practitioners advice and educate parents about the risks associated with the practice prone to the daughters. The paper also indicates the role of the law makers in fighting the vice. The study largely limited by the methodology, relative to relying on other researches alone.
Future research implications
In the future would need to adopt the quantitative research method, so as to collect evidence on the harms associated with FGM. This would further give the research better focused recommendation based on existing data. It would also give the research better credibility in that, the research would be based on current data collection.
3 Sala, R., & Manara, D. (2001). Nurses and Requests for Female Genital Mutilation: cultural rights versus human rights. Nursing Ethics, 8(3), 247-258. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/096973300100800309.
Purpose
Relative to the high number of immigrants who have come from Africa to Italy, there have been conflicts in cultural values relative to issues concerned with female genital mutilation. As such, nurses find themselves in a tight spot, where they are requested by patients to perform genital mutilation on women based on the patient’s cultural believes. The paper tries to establish the role that the nurses should play when face with such absurd requests from their patients.
Method
Relative to the fact that the research takes the form of a literature review, to establish the premise of their reaearch, the researchers resulted to using existing research material. To compare the existing content with the legal provisions in Italy on the subject, they used the government publications. The government literature was evaluated in order to create a reference point, relative to the African culture and establish the conflicting cultural factors. As such the researchers used qualitative research method, where they evaluate concepts other than data.
Results
There exists quite a number of differences in the Italian culture that of the immigrants from African descent. It is also to note that, according to the research, most of the patients that requested for the female genital mutilation were mostly of the Muslim faith. Medical officers have a major role to play in light of the reduction and management of such scenarios.
Discussion
According to the study, the medical practitioners such as nurses have a very crucial role in the identification, prevention and management of the vice. The researchers point out that, adopting a judgmental or rude stance is only going to escalate the situation further. The research is limited to the nurses, despite the role that other medical personnel play on care delivery. Nurses have to respect their patients’ decisions. It is therefore important according to the research for nurse to respect the individual rights and the cultural differences that exist between cultures.
Future research implications
In the future it would be important for the researchers to evaluate the implication of their findings on multi-disciplinary team members.
4 Hearst, A., & Molnar, A. (2013). Female Genital Cutting: An Evidence-Based Approach to Clinical Management for the Primary Care Physician. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 88(6), 618-629. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.04.004
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to help medical practitioners to better understand the different form of FGM, the cultural importance when caring for patients, common early and late complication of ways of managing them as well the psychological issues associated with FGM.
Method
The research takes the form of a literature review and thus, develop thesis in the paper, the researchers reviewed researches done in the past, population based studies as well as law related researches. The researchers used some of the most reliable databases to obtain and assess other related researches that have been conducted in the past. Among the databases used include the CINAHL plus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus as well as the Legal Trac. To ensure that they got the supporting articles, they used the key words; female genital circumcision, female genital mutilation and female genital cutting only and they did not have a limit on dates of publication. The researchers excluded editorials and review articles.
Results
According to the research the prevalence of the practice in most parts of Africa were highly related to education status, religious beliefs, ethnic background and was common in certain parts eastern, western and northeastern Africa as well as parts of Asia and the Middle East. The paper also indicated the different types of genital cutting; type I, type II and type III as the main types of the practices.
Discussion
Under discussion, the paper established the various ways that physicians can identify and manage the early as well as the late complications. The researchers further offer advice on the way to handle patients, with respect. As such, physicians are advised to be open and respectful with patients who would want to have their daughters circumcised. The research is however limited to African and the Middle East, which is limiting in terms of applying recommendations.
Future research implications
In the future, the research would be strengthened by applying a global approach relative multi-disciplinary teams.
5 Kaplan, A., Hechavarría, S., Bernal, M., & Bonhoure, I. (2013). Knowledge, attitudes and practices of female genital mutilation/cutting among health care professionals in The Gambia: a multiethnic study. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 851. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-851
Purpose
Female genital mutilation is a dangerous practices as it poses severe health complication to the victims. Health care practitioners are supposed to have the skills to identify victims of the practice and ways to manage the situations. The study seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge in light of the attitudes, practices and the knowledge that most of the health care givers in Gambia have towards FGM practices at the community level within the rural settings.
Method
The researchers in the study used the cross sectional descriptive study design to help achieve the premise of the paper. In the case, quantities methodology was applied where data was acquired from a multiethnic approach. As such the study takes the form of a meta-analysis type to bring out the thesis. The study used a questionnaire designed during the pre-test, which had open and closed ended questions. The questionnaires were administered by forty community based medical programme students who had the appropriate training on the same. The questionnaires were administered to 468 health care practitioners in various facilities in rural areas.
Results
According to the results of the study, a majority of the health care practitioners at 42.5%, supported the practice. The study also indicated that 47.2% of the health care professionals interviewed would subject their daughters to the practice. 7.6% admitted to having carried out the practice on patients. Ethnic background and sex identity vastly shaped the views, such that women were in less support of the practice and supportive of criminalization.
Discussion
According to the study, the medical practitioners in the rural areas were significantly supportive of the practice. Although the research is limited to the rural areas, much of the attitudes were shaped by the sex and ethnic background. As such, in light of the practice, ethnicity took preference over professionalism for the medical practitioners. The study is very informative on the subject relative attitudes of medical professionals.
Future research implications
In the future it would very crucial to establish a correlation between professionals in the rural areas and those in urban areas to gain the true significance of ethnic background in the matter.
6 Reig-Alcaraz, M., Siles-González, J., & Solano-Ruiz, C. (2015). A mixed-method synthesis of knowledge, experiences and attitudes of health professionals to Female Genital Mutilation. J Adv Nurs, n/a-n/a. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jan.12823
Purpose
The research paper tries to establish the attitudes that are assumed by health care professionals on the issue of female genital mutilation. The paper also synthesizes the experiences and knowledge of the medical professionals on the topic. This helps better understand the basic elements of the professionals relative to the world efforts to render the practice criminal and a violation of the basic human rights for the victims.
Method
The researchers in this study used the mixed method synthesis to establish the premise if their argument. Given that the research was based on literature review, to further gather information on the topic, the researchers used electronic databases, evaluating past studies from the year 2006 to 2014. Some of the major databases that were used in the study were, UNICEF, UN and WHO. Using thematic synthesis, the researchers compared the practice prevalence in countries of origin where the immigrants had come from and the residential immigrants. According to the study, 17 studies that included quantitative, descriptive, qualitative as well as grey literature in English and Spanish were evaluated.
Results
According to the study, there were a number of themes that came out. The themes established included ignorance, social acceptance for FGM, lack of adherence to FGM guidelines and protocols, lack of training and information, FGM sanctioning, condoning as well as supporting. Most importantly the researchers established that nurses and midwifes play the greatest role in combating the vice as they are central to the practice and health care.
Discussion
According to the paper, the attitude towards reducing or combating the vise is one of the most crucial elements. By understanding the attitudes surrounding the practice, it is much easier to combat it. The researchers identified that nurses and midwives form one of the most crucial support systems in eradicating the vice. As such if they do not change their attitudes, eradicating the vice will be very difficult. For a study of this magnitude, it is limiting to use qualitative research method other than collecting the raw data for analysis, for better insight and recommendations.
Future research implications
In the future the research should include quantitative study to establish proper recommendations based on specific data.
7 Kaplan-Marcusán, A., del Rio, N., Moreno-Navarro, J., Castany-Fàbregas, M., Nogueras, M., & Muñoz-Ortiz, L. et al. (2010). Female Genital Mutilation: perceptions of healthcare professionals and the perspective of the migrant families. BMC Public Health, 10(1), 193. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-193
Purpose
The authors of the study purpose to investigate the perceptions that the health care professionals and the migrant families have towards the practice. The study further seeks to describe the knowledge and the practice of the primary health care professionals relative to the vice.
Method
The study was carried out in 25 health care facilities situated in Barcelona and the Girona region. Using the Meta analysis type of a research, the researchers used the transversal descriptive study approach, where they administered questionnaires to health care professionals as well as to the migrant who were using the specific health facilities. A sub study was conducted using the same method but used cultural mediators to establish the positions, experiences and the effectiveness of the interventions used for prevention. The variables used in the study related to socio-demographics, beliefs of the FGM, evaluation of attitudes towards FGM and previous experiences.
Results
The study would evaluate the various objectives relative to the answers given on the questionnaires and establish the attitudes of the health care providers and the migrant families. All the variables will be evaluated using the univariate analysis after which the bivariate analysis will be performed.
Discussion
The attitude that is adopted by the medical practitioners is very crucial the understanding the basic elements that lead to elevation of the practice. At the same time the attitude adopted by the migrant families determines the spread and support of the vice in their foreign countries. Where the migrant families still follow the practice, the children in this case girls are at the risk of being subjected to the same.
Future research implications
To strengthen the research in the future it is crucial for the researchers to adopt a generalized approach such that the research findings and recommendations can be applied in many scenarios.
8 Morrone, A., Hercogova, J., & Lotti, T. (2002). Stop female genital mutilation: appeal to the international dermatologic community. International Journal Of Dermatology, 41(5), 253-263. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-4362.2002.01481.x
Purpose
The purpose of this papers to appeal to the international community of dermatologists, relative to their efforts to join the fight against female genital mutilation. By getting the dermatologists to join in the fight against the vice, chances of reducing the spread increase.
Method
The study establishes it premises through the use other existing researches, relative to the fact that the researchers based their research on literature review. At the same time the researchers use government publications, which give the various facts relative to existing data on various elements of the practice.
Results
The united nations, WHO and the UNICEF consider the female genital mutilation a violation of the basic human rights. Persons that practice the vice ignore the huge amount of risks that they expose to the victims of the practice. Despite the fact that the practice is forbidden in a number of countries in Africa and in the western nations, there are quite a number of girls that are exposed to the vice.
Discussion
According to the study most of the western dermatologists and physicians do not have the full knowledge and therefore appreciation of the practice. They also do not have knowledge on the procedures of the practice, complications as well as the underlying social beliefs. As such, the paper bring on a better understanding of the scenario especially in the western nations. In this case more dermatologists and physicians need to understand the basic elements of the practice before they gainfully contribute to the eradication. As such there is need for medical professionals to be taught on the various aspects of the vice and how to manage it complications. Dermatologists, educators, nurses and health worker should reach out to members of the communities that practice the vice and educate them about the dangers. There is a wide array of data that can be collected and analyzed, which cannot be established with qualitative data collection methods.
Future research implications
The research could be made stronger by applying the quantitative approach where raw data is analyzed to make more elaborate recommendations.
9 Prazak, M. (2007). Introducing Alternative Rites of Passage. Africa Today, 53(4), 18-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.2979/aft.2007.53.4.18
Purpose
This paper brings out the element of introducing a new rite of passage for the communities that are practicing female genital mutilation. The researchers have concentrated their efforts in a small community in east Africa, in a country called Kenya. In Kenya the researchers evaluated the cultural significance of the practice and efforts that have been made to introduce a different rite of passage relative to the risks associated with FGM.
Method
The researchers establish the basic premise by evaluating some of the literature that have been published in the past. As such the paper was based on the literature review type of a research. Using the past research, the researchers establish the attitudes that are common amount the elders, youths, parents and asses them relative to the past practices and the current trends in t practice. This way they are able to establish the element of transition on the practice. Towards the end the researcher bring about the element of an alternative voice which is set to introduce the different rite of passage and shun away from the dangerous practice.
Results
According to the results of the study, the Kuria community in Kenya has been practicing the vice for quite a long time and they consider it as a rite of passage. There have been some transition, where the members have continually improved their tools of practice towards more sterile equipment minimizing the dangers associated with STD/HIV and AIDS among other complications. The most common practice type in this community is the type I incision.
Discussion
At the heart of the suggested changes in the rite of passage, is the role that nurses can play. In light of the fact that FGM is a dangerous practice and one that is mostly carried out in the rural communities with crude equipment, the nurses can help reduce the risks. At the same time they can also educate the villagers on the ways that they change their perspectives on the practice and adopt safer practices.
Future research implications
In the future it would be important to make the research stronger by generalizing the results relative better applicability to other community in the region which practice the vice.
10 Jaeger, F., Caflisch, M., & Hohlfeld, P. (2008). Female genital mutilation and its prevention: a challenge for paediatricians. European Journal Of Pediatrics, 168(1), 27-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00431-008-0702-5
Purpose
The sole purpose of the study is to bring out the various challenges that pediatricians are faced with when they are dealing patients who value the practice. The paper builds on the knowledge relative to the basic element of preventing the spread of the practices especially in the western nations. Pediatricians have the task of convincing the parents of the dangers that FGM poses to their daughters while being respective.
Method
Approaching the research from a literature review stand point, the researcher in this paper used the qualitative approach to define their study and elaborate on the various elements of the practice as well as the challenges of the pediatricians. The researchers also used some of the government publication to build on their credibility relative to offering supportive data on the practice around the globe.
Results
According to the study, most of the families that practice the vice in the west are those of sub-Saharan orient and have immigrated to the western nations. Pediatricians are tasked with the chore to educate and inform the parents about the dangers, without having to be judgmental about the belief systems. Ideally most of the parents continue the practice due in part to the sociocultural pressure and in most cases in love for their daughters.
Discussion
For pediatricians it is quite a challenge to convince the families that the practice is risky and poses great medical complications to the child. This is relative to the fact that most of them believe that they carrying out the practice for the love they have for their children. As such, the pediatricians have to be careful not come out as judgmental as this will have detrimental and highly counterproductive results and that the same time they need to educate the parents. Quantitative method is limited in terms of application to larger population and thus the study is limited to pediatricians.
Future research implications
In the future, the researchers can strengthen the research using quantitative data to further elaborate on the statistical elements of the vice and the challenges.
Simpson, J., Robinson, K., Creighton, S., & Hodes, D. (2012). Female genital mutilation: the role of health professionals in prevention, assessment, and management. BMJ, 344(mar14 1), e1361-e1361. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e1361
Purpose
The purpose of the study as intended by the researchers, was to elaborate on the various aspects of the female genital mutilation and how it affects the victims. The researchers also intended to elucidate on the roles that the medical practitioners have to play in light of prevention, assessment and the management of the complications that are associated with either type of FGM. By explaining the procedure, consequences, identifying those at risk and suggesting the various care models medical professionals can use, the researchers educate them on their roles.
Method
Based on the literature review type of research, the researchers used the qualitative approach in defining their research thesis. Using researches that have been conducted in the past, the researchers were able to develop their central ideas and build on them with supporting evidence. They also relied on government publication to support their central ideas with facts and reliable data. They also applied the descriptive design in the research, elaborative on the various subtopics and how they tie to premise of the paper.
Results
According to the information presented in the paper, more than 140 million girls in the world have been taken through the practice and an additional sizeable figure is under the risk of going through the same. The vice is spreading from the developing nations to the developed nations through immigrants. As such, it is no longer a problem that is only unique in Africa and in the idle east, rather it is also common in the western nations.
Discussion
The central element in fighting the vice is tied to the ability to understand and appreciate the complexity of the practices, from the procedure, the types and how the complications develop. It is important for the medical professionals to understand that this is an aspect that cultural significance and has to be handled with respect.
Future research implications
In the future, it is crucial to use mixed methods in order to build on relevance other than relying on the secondary data alone.
Abdulcadir, J., Boulvain, M., & Petignat, P. (2012). Reconstructive surgery for female genital mutilation. The Lancet, 380(9837), 90-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(12)60636-9
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