Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Education for Midwives and Nurses as Informed by Women's Experiences: Protocol for...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal Health
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health.
• Existing research in high-income countries highlights the need for better understanding of women with FGM/C's experiences and healthcare provider knowledge gaps.
• There is a lack of studies evaluating FGM/C education for health professionals in high-income settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of an FGM/C education program for midwives and nurses.
• To inform the program based on the experiences of women with FGM/C accessing health services in South Australia.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory sequential mixed methods design across three phases.
• Phase 1: Explore views and experiences of women with FGM/C accessing maternity, gynecological, and sexual health services.
• Phase 2: Develop an educational program based on Phase 1 findings. Phase 3: Evaluate the program's impact on knowledge, attitude, and practice of midwives and nurses.

Main Results:

• Phase 1 data collection and interpretation scheduled for August-November 2021.
• Educational program development and facilitation planned for completion by February 2022.
• Program evaluation and study completion expected by February 2023.

Conclusions:

• Research will inform the development and evaluation of culturally sensitive education programs for healthcare providers.
• Collaboration with women with FGM/C is crucial for addressing specific community health needs.
• Findings will enhance care for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.