Background: More than 200 million females worldwide live with some form of female genital mutilation [FGM]. While reinforcing social and cultural values for those, to whom the practice is normative, FGM also envelops psychological as well as physical lifelong consequences. Aim: This literature study aimed to describe women's experiences of living with female genital mutilation from a physical, psychological, social and cultural perspective. Method: A literature study was performed through collecting and analysing ten qualitative articles. The data consisted of narratives of migrant women that had undergone FGM and lived in Western societies. The analysis was performed according to Friberg's five-step-model. Results: Feelings of honour and shame were expressed in connection to FGM. FGM was understood to fortify belonging to cultural identities and establish social acceptance linked to cultural ideals of femininity. Emotional and physical pain made women feel incompleteness, challenging their social relationships, including sexual intimacy. Additionally, it was noted that healthcare professionals lack specific knowledge needed while caring for those women, leaving them hesitant in further seeking healthcare. Women's perception of FGM changed after migration. They experienced larger control over their lives but also insecurity towards the discontinuation of the practice. Conclusion: FGM and its implications were complex and resulted in consequences that affect women's life. Greater knowledge and understanding of FGM were identified as necessary on the healthcare system, strengthening and furthering the required support and information for women's health.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:hv-12799 |
| Date | January 2018 |
| Creators | Sandström, Frida, Cândida de Albuquerque Johansson, Jéssica |
| Publisher | Högskolan Väst, Avdelningen för omvårdnad - grundnivå, Högskolan Väst, Avdelningen för omvårdnad - grundnivå |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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