title: Female genital mutilation/cutting: knowledge, attitude and training of health professionals in inner city London.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the knowledge, attitude and training on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) amongst medical and midwifery professionals working in an area of high prevalence of the condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective observational study using a questionnaire designed to assess knowledge, attitude and training received by health care professionals on the practice of FGM/C. Factors which may affect knowledge, attitude and training were compared between groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  92.9% (n=79) questionnaires were returned. All respondents were aware of FGM/C but only 27.8% correctly identified the grade from a simple diagram. Three quarters (72.4% and 77.2% respectively) were aware of the complications of FGM/C and of the legislation in the United Kingdom. Of the respondents, 13.9% agreed that a competent adult should be allowed to consent to FGM/C if requested but only 8.9% agreed that the procedure should be medicalised to reduce the associated morbidity. Less than 25% of respondents had received formal training in recognising or managing this condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the majority of respondents were aware of FGM/C, their ability to identify the condition and its associated morbidity remain suboptimal; more training is recommended in larger cities with a higher prevalence of this condition.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex Hospital, London N18 1QX, United Kingdom.
authors: Sophie
authors: S
authors: Relph
authors: Rekash
authors: R
authors: Inamdar
authors: Hardeep
authors: H
authors: Singh
authors: Wai
authors: W
authors: Yoong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000193:education / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003415:Crime / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D045809:Human Rights Abuses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education; D009726:Nurses; D010820:Physicians; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D019037:Urban Health Services; D000078329:Workforce; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult