Title
The lower prevalence of female genital mutilation in the Netherlands: A nationwide study in Dutch midwifery practices
Author
Korfker, D.G.
Reis, R.
Rijnders, M.E.B.
Meijer-van Asperen, S.
Read, L.
Sanjuan, M.
Herschderfer, K.
Buitendijk, S.E.
Publication year
2012
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in women giving birth in 2008 in the Netherlands. Method: A retrospective questionnaire study was conducted.The study covered all 513 midwifery practices in the Netherlands. The data were analysed with SPSS 17.0. Results: The response from midwifery practices was 93%(n = 478). They retrospectively reported 470 circumcised women in 2008 (0.32%). The expected prevalence in the Netherlands based on the estimated prevalence of FGM in the country of birth was 0.7%. It is likely that there was under reporting in midwifery practices since midwives do not always enquire about the subject and may not notice the milder types of FGM. Midwives who checked their records before answering our questionnaire reported a prevalence of 0.8%. Conclusion: On the basis of this study, we can conclude that FGM is a serious clinical problem in Europe for migrant women from risk countries for FGM. These women should receive extra attention from obstetricians and midwives during childbirth, since almost half are mutilated and FGM involves a risk of complications during delivery for both women and children.
Subject
Human
CH - Child Health
BSS - Behavioural and Societal Sciences
Healthy Living
Health
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:abf38ed3-9261-4151-a55a-b857c144a90d
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0334-4
TNO identifier
446612
Source
International Journal of Public Health, 57 (2), 413-420
Document type
article