BACKGROUND
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a complex and deeply rooted sociocultural custom that is innately entrenched in the lives of those that continue its practice despite the physical and psychological dangers it perpetrates. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is considered a significant independent risk factor for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy and childbirth. Several studies in high income countries (HIC) have explored the experiences and needs of women with FGM/C, and the knowledge the health professionals, in particular midwives and nurses, that care for them. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the implementation of education for health professionals in HIC to meet the specific needs of women with FGM/C.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the impact of an FGM/C education program for midwives and nurses as informed by the experiences of women with FGM/C accessing maternity, gynaecological and sexual health services in South Australia.
METHODS
This study will adopt a three-phase exploratory sequential mixed method design. Phase 1 ‘Exploration’ of women with FGM/C views and experiences accessing maternity and gynaecological (including sexual health) services in South Australia. The findings from phase 1 will inform phase 2: ‘Development’ of an educational program for midwives and nurses on health and cultural needs of women with FGM/C. Phase 3: ‘Evaluation’ of the program, by measuring midwives’ and nurses’ changes in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of, immediately pre-and-post-test, and four months after completing the program.
Phase 1 of this study has been approved by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (ID number 2021/HRE00156).
RESULTS
Phase 1 will commence in August 2021 with interpretation of findings undertaken by November 2021. Phase 2 will be developed and facilitated by February 2022 and the final phase of this study will begin in March 2022. This study is expected to be completed by February 2023.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this research will provide insight into the development and evaluation of education programs for midwives and nurses that includes collaboration with women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to address the specific cultural and health needs of communities.
P160 Identification and characteristics of women with Female Genital Mutilation presenting to Sexual Health Services