Citation

Johnson KE, Rodgers S. Holist. Nurs. Pract. 1994; 8(2): 70-78.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8263087

Abstract

This article, which provides basic information about female genital mutilation (FGM) and its cultural relevance and offers a risk-taking model that helps explain the complexity of issues involved in the decision to continue the practice, opens with a section that describes the three main types of FGM, its prevalence and the geographic region where it is practiced, the age of the victims, immediate and long-term complications, and the increased risk of HIV transmission association with the procedure. The article then draws three variables from risk theory on business decision-making (control, information, and time) to explain individual decision-making that may place a person at risk of an untoward outcome. In this model, control is dependent upon information and time, information is dependent upon time, and time is the foundation. After detailing the significance of each of these variables, the article considers the cultural context of FGM, reviews the arguments of the proponents of the procedure, suggests reasons why it is continued, and identifies the primary commonalities of practicing cultures. Finally, the article integrates some of this cultural information into the proposed model and proposes that women may achieve more control over their decisions about perpetrating FGM if they have increased access to resources such as education, economic opportunities, training in self-reliance, and support groups. Time should be used effectively to provide individuals with the information they need to gain control and make appropriate decisions about FGM.

Language: en