Attitudes and Experiences Surrounding Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the United States: A Scoping Review

J Immigr Minor Health. 2023 Apr;25(2):449-482. doi: 10.1007/s10903-022-01437-2. Epub 2022 Dec 21.

Abstract

To identify research and gaps in literature about FGM/C-related attitudes and experiences among individuals from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States, we conducted a scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework. We searched Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), PubMed, and SCOPUS and conducted a grey literature search for studies assessing attitudes or experiences related to FGM/C with data collected directly from individuals from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States. The search yielded 417 studies, and 40 met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that women and men from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States generally oppose FGM/C, and that women with FGM/C have significant physical and mental health needs and have found US healthcare providers to lack understanding of FGM/C. Future research can improve measurement of FGM/C by taking into account the sociocultural influences on FGM/C-related attitudes and experiences.

Keywords: Female circumcision; Female genital mutilation/cutting; Migrant health; Scoping review; United States.

Publication types

  • Scoping Review

MeSH terms

  • Circumcision, Female* / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • United States