Description
Introduction
A growing body of evidence indicates a significant decrease in support for female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) within post-migration communities. This decline is intricately linked to migration and various multilevel factors fostering the abandonment of FGM/C in Western communities. Research in this area is needed to identify knowledge gaps and enhance better understanding of those factors linked to the discontinuation of FGM/C in post-migration communities.
Objective
This scoping review aims to describe the factors associated with the effects of migration and acculturation that support the discontinuation of FGM/C among post-migrant populations living in FGM/C-practicing communities and residing in Western countries.
Method
The search strategy involved selecting studies from 2012 to 2023 from various databases, including Embase, PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Swissscovery, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and grey literature. Eligible studies aimed to assess factors associated with change in attitudes and behaviours towards the abandonment of FGM/C in post-migration communities living in the West. We applied the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reorting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) framework for conducting data analysis.
Results and Discussion
The search yielded 2,819 studies, and 19 met the inclusion criteria. Seven key factors that influence change in attitudes and behaviours toward the abandonment of FGM/C in post-migration were identified: 1) legislation against FGM/C, 2) absence of religious requirement, 3) enhancing education regarding of the practice, 4) migration and acculturation, 5) awareness of harmful effects of FGM/C, 6) preference for uncut girls, and 7) individual disposition to oppose FGM/C.
Conclusion
This scoping review highlights multilevel factors, ranging from social, community, interpersonal, and personal that affect attitudes and behaviours supporting the abandonment of the practice. Further research in the field of FGM/C will gain more accuracy in understanding and accounting for the multilevel factors in post-migration settings. This provides valuable insight for developing targeted interventions aimed at fostering the cessation of the practice.
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