Taking care of women living with female genital mutilation or cutting: Characteristics of the pool of users of two healthcare facilities in Turin, Northern Italy.

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of gender-based violence (GBV) that may lead to adverse consequences on the physical and psychological health of survivors. Patients living with FGM have unique health needs, which have to be addressed from the perspective of human rights and sexual and reproductive health. The aim of this study was to understand the characteristics of the pool of users of two services targeting this population in Turin, given the significance this may have due to the high migratory flows from countries were FGM is performed. A retrospective review of medical records of patients who accessed FGM-C related care in two healthcare facilities in Turin was performed. The most represented type of FGM was IIb. All patients were of African origin. Many presented psychological sequelae, while a smaller group presented uro-gynaecological symptoms. A high number of survivors were subjected to other forms of GBV during their lifetime. These findings highlight the need for an integrated and multidisciplinary service for the management of survivors of FGM.