Female genital mutilation and its prevention: a challenge for paediatricians.

Détails

ID Serval
serval:BIB_1642F5589533
Type
Article: article d'un périodique ou d'un magazine.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Titre
Female genital mutilation and its prevention: a challenge for paediatricians.
Périodique
European Journal of Pediatrics
Auteur⸱e⸱s
Jaeger F., Caflisch M., Hohlfeld P.
ISSN
1432-1076[electronic]
Statut éditorial
Publié
Date de publication
2009
Volume
168
Numéro
1
Pages
27-33
Langue
anglais
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: ppublish
Résumé
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as an injury of the external female genitalia for cultural or non-therapeutic reasons. FGM is mainly performed in sub-Saharan and Eastern Africa. The western health care systems are confronted with migrants from this cultural background. The aim is to offer information on how to approach this subject. The degree of FGM can vary from excision of the prepuce and clitoris to infibulation. Infections, urinary retention, pain, lesions of neighbouring organs, bleeding, psychological trauma and even death are possible acute complications. The different long-term complications include the risk of reduced fertility and difficulties during labour, which are key arguments against FGM in the migrant community. Paediatricians often have questions on how to approach the subject. With an open, neutral approach and basic knowledge, discussions with parents are constructive. Talking about the newborn, delivery or traditions may be a good starting point. Once they feel accepted, they speak surprisingly openly. FGM is performed out of love for their daughters. We have to be aware of their arguments and fears, but we should also stress the parents' responsibility in taking a health risk for their daughters. It is important to know the family's opinion on FGM. Some may need support, especially against community pressure. As FGM is often performed on newborns or at 4-9 years of age, paediatricians should have an active role in the prevention of FGM, especially as they have repeated close contact with those concerned and medical consequences are the main arguments against FGM.
Mots-clé
Adolescent, Africa South of the Sahara/epidemiology, Africa, Eastern/epidemiology, Bacterial Infections/epidemiology, Bacterial Infections/etiology, Child, Circumcision, Female/psychology, Circumcision, Female/statistics & numerical data, Europe/epidemiology, Female, Health Education, Health Policy, Hemorrhage/epidemiology, Hemorrhage/etiology, Humans, Pediatrics, Prevalence, Preventive Health Services, Social Support, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/etiology
Pubmed
Web of science
Création de la notice
15/02/2010 21:48
Dernière modification de la notice
20/08/2019 12:45
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