A scientific approach to the health and obstetrical problems of female genital mutilation of Somali women living in Türkiye

Abstract

Mutilation is a general name given to the partial or complete injury and mutilation of the female genital organ under the name of tradition and culture. It is quite common in Africa. It is estimated that it is applied to more than 200 million women, especially in the Middle East and the Far East. Different applications continue in each country. After mutilation, anatomical tissue loss occurs in the female genital area. Therefore, lifelong physiological, psychiatric and obstetric problems arise. In this study, the mutilation status of Somali women living in Türkiye was investigated. The effects of mutilation on birth and the attitudes of women towards this practice were revealed. For this purpose, the status of 190 women in 15 provinces where Somali citizens are most present were examined. For this purpose, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 174 participants. The results were evaluated using statistical chi-square tests and continuous quantitative variables. The data were given as parametric and non- parametric results of the tests. As a result, it was determined that almost all of the Somali women living in Türkiye were circumcised, although slightly below the world average. It was proven that economic status, education, cultural traditions and family structure are closely related to mutilation. It has been observed that female circumcision causes many obstetric and psychiatric problems. It has been determined that the attitude of Somali women living in Türkiye towards female circumcision has changed significantly with the increase in education level, household income, awareness and communication opportunities. Education, cultural change, financial status, level of health services and midwifery services have been proven to reduce female circumcision effectively.