Deinfibulation in Italy

Abstract

The objective of this investigation is to construct a detailed and current map of institutions and medical professionals in Italy that perform deinfibulation, thereby creating a useful resource for East-African immigrants in Italy. Two types of questionnaires were used for interviews of 309 obstetricians and gynecologists. Information collected included the level of familiarity and experience that health professionals have with the intervention, as well as their opinions on its utility and optimal timing. Of the 309 obstetricians and gynecologists we identified: 41 deinfibulators (subgroup A), from which we extract 9 non-occasional deinfibulators (subgroup B), who performed more than 10 deinfibulations. Characteristics of subgroup B: subjects, female or male, are mature in age and profession; think that deinfibulation will improve sexual health and life and will resolve pathological genital and urinary sequelae; are knowledgeably about female genital mutilation because of his/her origins or professional experience in developing countries in East Africa; and are able to establish a good rapport with patients, enabling them to provide information about deinfibulation. In conclusion, the practice of deinfibulation in Italy was found to be rare (10% of professionals interviewed), largely because it is not proposed by doctors or requested by women. © 2006 Springer.