title: A survey on knowledge of female genital mutilation guidelines.
abstract: The increase in immigration from countries with a high prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) has highlighted the need for knowledge and sensitivity in this area of healthcare in high-resource countries. We have surveyed with an online questionnaire 607 members, fellows and trainees of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) on knowledge about the RCOG guidelines for FGM. Completed training and more practical experience with women affected by FGM significantly increased knowledge. Many respondents were not aware of specialist services locally (22.9%) or how to access them (52.3%). Some areas of insufficient knowledge were identified, in particular in relation to psychiatric morbidity, HIV, hepatitis B and pelvic infection. More specialized training efforts might improve this aspect.
authors.affiliation: College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Thomas C D
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Purchase
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lamoudi
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Colman
authors.forename: Siobhan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Pallavi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Latthe
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jolly
mesh_terms: D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education; D010820:Physicians; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom