Introduction
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a critical issue affecting women's health globally, including in the United States. The Women's Health Needs Study (WHNS) provides valuable insights into the health needs and experiences of women from countries with high FGM prevalence living in the U.S. This blog aims to help practitioners enhance their skills by applying the research findings from WHNS or by encouraging further research in this area.
Understanding the WHNS
The WHNS was designed to gather comprehensive data on the health characteristics, needs, and experiences of women aged 18 to 49, born or whose mothers were born in countries where FGM is prevalent. Conducted from November 2020 to June 2021, the study utilized a hybrid venue-based sampling (VBS) and respondent-driven sampling (RDS) approach to recruit a diverse group of participants.
Key Findings
The study included 1,132 participants, with a significant portion from West African countries and Ethiopia. Key findings include:
- 55% of participants reported experiencing FGM, while 92% believed FGM should be stopped.
- 52.5% had Medicaid as their health insurance, and 17% had no insurance.
- 14.8% did not receive needed healthcare due to cost constraints.
- 76.9% had their last pelvic and/or Pap exam within the past three years.
Implications for Practitioners
The WHNS findings offer several implications for practitioners:
- Cultural Competency: Understanding the cultural and social factors influencing FGM practices is crucial. Practitioners should engage in culturally sensitive communication and provide appropriate support to affected women.
- Access to Care: Addressing barriers to healthcare access, such as cost and lack of insurance, is essential. Practitioners can advocate for policy changes and collaborate with community organizations to improve healthcare access for immigrant women.
- Preventive Health Services: Encouraging regular health check-ups and screenings, such as pelvic exams and Pap tests, can help in early detection and management of health issues.
Encouraging Further Research
While the WHNS provides valuable insights, there is a need for further research to explore additional health aspects and interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers and community organizations to conduct studies that can inform evidence-based practices and policies.
Conclusion
The WHNS highlights the complex health needs of women from FGM-prevalent countries living in the U.S. By applying the study's findings, practitioners can enhance their skills and contribute to improving health outcomes for this population. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The women’s health needs study among women from countries with high prevalence of female genital mutilation living in the United States: Design, methods, and participant characteristics.
