Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract BackgroundFemale genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is the practice of partial or total removal or injury of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It has been documented in at least 30 countries and, as a result of migration, in high-income countries too. FGM/C causes various negative health complications, and may increase the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Our study aims to generate descriptive statistics about FGM/C among HIV positive migrant women included in the Swiss HIV cohort study (SHCS).MethodsThe Swiss HIV Cohort study (www.SHCS.ch) is a national, prospective cohort study with ongoing community and hospital enrolment of HIV-positive individuals in Switzerland. Two questions on history of FGM/C and previous discussion about it with a healthcare professional were administered by treating infectious disease specialists during the 6-monthly routine visits occurring between June and December 2019. We included all women aged above 18 years, born in one of the 30 countries where FGM/C is prevalent, in care for an HIV-infection and recorded in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.ResultsOur findings show that FMG/C is common (21%) in the SHCS female population originating from Africa. Such data may be largely underestimated given the 33.6% of non-respondents. The vast majority (70%) of the women reporting to have been cut had never discussed FGM/C with a health professional before the study.Conclusions FMG/C is common in the SHCS female population originating from Africa, but often overlooked by health professionals working with this population. FGM/C screening, diagnosis, care and prevention could be improved significantly through training and information.Trial registration: Not Applicable