Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of female genital mutilation and cutting: an observational cross-sectional study in English primary care (FGM/C Study)

Background: Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) describes procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Increasing migration means many communities living in the UK originate from countries where FGM/C is practised. Consequently, clinicians in the UK are increasingly exposed to women and children who have experienced FGM/C.

Aim: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of primary care GPs and practice nurses (PNs) regarding FGM/C.

Design & setting: An observational cross-sectional study with GPs and PNs working in primary care in the West Midlands, UK.

Method: An online survey was circulated to GPs and PNs between September 2019 and December 2019.

Results: A total of 137 survey responses were received. Study participants were predominantly female (81.8%) and GPs (59.9%), with a mean age of 47.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 9.1). The survey found 19.7% of responders reported seeing >1 patient with FGM/C in the past 12 months. It also found 91.3% of responders had received some form of FGM/C training; however, the format and frequency of training varied and 34.3% felt they had received inadequate training to manage treatment of FGM/C.

Conclusion: The results have suggested varying degrees of competence and confidence associated with recognising and managing patients with FGM/C in primary care in the West Midlands. Given that patients with FGM/C typically present in primary care, it is important that clinicians can provide appropriate support underpinned by up-to-date training.