Impacts of female genital mutilation on the health of women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a practice deeply rooted in certain cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere. It is associated with negative impacts on women’s sexual and reproductive health and their broader wellbeing and human rights. A good number of primary studies have assessed these impacts through different methods. A systematic review seeks to synthesize available evidence to guide more effective intervention strategies for addressing the problem which is the intention of this study.

Methods: Only qualitative studies conducted between 2013 and 2023 were included in this systematic review. Women from the Sub-Saharan African region constituted the target population for the study.

Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. The impact of FGM on the health of women included sexual, reproductive, or psycho-social problems. Painful sex, anorgasmia, and reduced lubrication were the most reported impacts on sexual health. Prolonged labour, postpartum haemorrhage, requiring episiotomy, and Caesarean section were mostly reported as impact on women’s reproductive health. The impact of FGM on psycho-social health included depression, rage, rejection by men, hatred for family, and traumatic recall of the experience.

Conclusion: This review has shown that FGM can have significant and long- lasting health consequences on women. Genital reconstruction, a difficult process of regaining sexual integrity seems to hold significant potential for mitigating the impact of FGM on women’s sexual health. More research is hereby required to provide evidence for this. Research exploring strategies for mitigating the impact of FGM on women’s reproductive and psycho-social health is also required. Furthermore, tackling the problem of FGM in Sub- Saharan Africa requires a collaborative effort of governments, civil society, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and international partners to protect the rights and health of women in the region.