Defibulated immigrant women's sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of midwives and gynaecologists as primary care providers in Sweden-A phenomenographic study

• Objective: To capture care providers' perceptions of defibulated immigrant women's sexual and reproductive health, illuminated by their experiences as care providers for these women. Methods: Individual interview study with 13 care providers at Swedish healthcare facilities: six gynaecologists and seven midwives caring for defibulated immigrant women, analysed with a phenomenographic method. Findings: One of the care providers' perceptions of women who had been defibulated was that they had an altered genital function, meaning a wider introitus, improved vaginal intercourse, and more ease urinating and menstruating. The care providers also perceived that women who were defibulated had to balance their wellbeing, struggling between a positive self-image and handling their emotions. Existing in-between cultural values led to a fear of being excluded while at the same time having a desire to be included in the new culture. Conclusion: Defibulation affects women's sexual and reproductive health and calls for a holistic perspective when providing services, individualized according to the woman's care needs. Support and counselling, should include information about defibulation already during the adolescent years to promote sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Defibulation

Perceptions

Experiences

Care providers

Phenomenography

female genital mutilation

sudanese migrants

experiences

perceptions

surgery

somali

Public

Environmental & Occupational Health

Care providers

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)