Polyvictimization and mental health consequences of female genital mutilation/circumcision (FGM/C) among Somali refugees in Kenya.
Female genital mutilation or circumcision (FGM/C) is a perilous social and cultural practice that affects the physical, mental, and psychological health of affected women. It is widespread around the world, affecting 200 million women and girls. This study aimed to explore the relation of FGM/C to mental and physical conditions in Somali refugees displaced in a low-resource setting, applying the concept of poly-victimization to reveal multifaceted trauma sequelae. Data for this cross-sectional study with 143 female Somali youth living in Eastleigh, Kenya were collected between April and May in 2013. FGM/C was strongly associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Logistic regression analysis revealed that separation from a parent and poly-victimization experiences were significantly associated with FGM/C experience. The results also showed that FGM/C and other traumas did not occur singly but were indicative of cumulative adversities, especially for women who were socially vulnerable and marginalized. The results of this study highlight the practice of FGM/C in the context of other adverse living conditions of refugees and the importance of attending to other co-occurring risk factors that prevail with FGM/C practice in the ecological system of refugee forced migration.
['Im|Hyojin|H|', 'Swan|Laura E T|LET|', 'Heaton|Lindsay|L|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D019093:Circumcision, Female D019548:Crime Victims D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007630:Kenya D008603:Mental Health D000067073:Psychological Trauma D012036:Refugees D012307:Risk Factors D012998:Somalia D055815:Young Adult
mental health Somali refugee poly-victimization trauma Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)