Open research questions in Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues
83 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 584 Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.
What the literature leaves open
The study identifies a gap in the development of culturally sensitive scales for assessing sexual health in Islamic contexts. The existing scales may not be suitable for the Islamic context due to cultural and religious differences.
Sexual Health in Islam: Constructing a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Scale for the Jordanian Context · 2026 · DOIThe study faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected referral rates. The lack of data concerning the impact of FGM on affected children is a significant challenge. The study also faced challenges in obtaining accurate information about the type of FGM, as parents were unable to specify the exact type according to the WHO classification.
Prevalence, clinical characteristics and management of female genital mutilation in paediatric and adolescent patients: a retrospective cohort analysis from a clinic in Vienna, Austria · 2026 · DOIthe study had a small sample size, - the study was retrospective, - there was a lack of data on the exact type of FGM according to the WHO classification
Prevalence, clinical characteristics and management of female genital mutilation in paediatric and adolescent patients: a retrospective cohort analysis from a clinic in Vienna, Austria · 2026 · DOIAdolescent labiaplasty may carry higher complication risks than in adults; however, data are scarce.
Clinical characteristics of adolescents and young adults requesting labiaplasty – A Finnish cross‐sectional study · 2026 · DOIPublished studies on lived experiences and health complications of East African women and girls in Southern California are lacking.
Understanding the Health Challenges among East African Women in the U.S. with a History of Female Genital Mutilation · 2026 · DOIBACKGROUND: In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), several women and children are significantly affected by female genital mutilation (FGM), but there is limited studies on the prevalence and determinants of FGM due to a combination of factors, including cultural-political barriers, funding constraints, and ethical concerns.
Prevalence and determinants of female genital mutilation: current insights from ten at-risk countries in Sub-Saharan Africa · 2025 · DOIAlthough the outcomes suggest improved sexual function and quality of life post-surgery, the evidence remains limited.
The study was designed as a feasibility-based, exploratory pre-post evaluation with a fixed cohort size determined by course enrollment, - A formal a priori sample size calculation was not conducted, - The study had a small sample size, - The study was limited to sixth-semester midwifery science students
Educating for Equity: Preparing Student Midwives for Antenatal Care of Vulnerable Pregnant Women—A Pilot Study · 2026 · DOIFurther research is needed to integrate the ICM's rights-based and equity-oriented competencies into national curricula and regulatory frameworks, - Research is needed to develop models for complex care, - Studies should investigate the effectiveness of midwifery care models for women with complex psychosocial circumstances
Educating for Equity: Preparing Student Midwives for Antenatal Care of Vulnerable Pregnant Women—A Pilot Study · 2026 · DOIDeeply rooted socio-cultural norms and gender inequalities perpetuate FGM. Limited access to education and healthcare in high-prevalence areas. Community-level structural barriers hinder individual-level changes.
Targeting a future generation free from female genital mutilation: A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study of an awareness intervention in central Tanzania · 2026 · DOIFurther research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of community-based interventions in improving FGM awareness. Studies should investigate the factors associated with FGM awareness and abandonment among young adults. Research should explore the potential of community-based approaches in promoting intergenerational change.
Targeting a future generation free from female genital mutilation: A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study of an awareness intervention in central Tanzania · 2026 · DOIThe ongoing high rates of FGM/FGC in Sierra Leone. The need to study the prevalence and temporal trends of female genital cutting among women in Sierra Leone.
The interaction between Christianity and the Imbalu circumcision has not been harmonious. There is a need to understand the impact of Christianity on the Imbalu circumcision culture and its implications for the Bagisu community.
Based on the research findings and conclusions, the researcher makes the following recommendations. a) The government, through the Ministry of Health, should formulate health guidelines and safety standards for Imbalu ceremonies to minimize risks such as infections and unsafe procedures. b) There should be collaboration between religious leaders and cultural leaders, especially the traditional surgeons, to promote safe and hygienic practices c) The Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development should set aside a fund to sensitize both Christian and traditional communities about the historical, social, and religious significance of imbalu.
The lack of regulation or oversight of health information on social media, particularly TikTok. The difficulty in assessing the accuracy and quality of labiaplasty-related content on social media. The challenge of developing effective methodologies for sentiment analysis and content quality assessment on social media.
Scrolling for Surgery: Artificial Intelligence-Powered Evaluation of Labiaplasty Discourse on TikTok · 2026 · DOIrefine AI methodologies for assessing content quality and audience sentiment, - explore strategies to increase physician visibility and credibility on social media, - investigate the impact of labiaplasty content on viewers' decisions
Scrolling for Surgery: Artificial Intelligence-Powered Evaluation of Labiaplasty Discourse on TikTok · 2026 · DOIThe paper notes that a significant portion of the findings are based on observational and short-term studies. The paper also notes that long-term follow-up data are limited.
The role of genital cosmetic surgery in women's sexual health, international guidelines and care recommendations · 2026 · DOIFuture research should focus on the long-term effects of genital cosmetic surgery on women's sexual health. Future research should also explore the relationship between body image and sexual satisfaction in women.
The role of genital cosmetic surgery in women's sexual health, international guidelines and care recommendations · 2026 · DOIThe lack of official registry for anogenital warts or a dedicated referral centre or clinic for the management of anogenital warts in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The social stigma associated with anogenital warts.
Assessment of Self-esteem and Quality of Life of Patients with Anogenital Warts: A Cross-sectional, Hospital-based Study, Southwestern Nigeria · 2026 · DOIWhile the exact number of girls and women worldwide who have undergone FGM procedure remains unknown, at least 200 million girls and women in 30 countries have been subjected to the practice.
Future research should explore the voices of the communities most directly affected. It should provide systematic epidemiological evidence on the health consequences of MRC and FGM.
Male ritual circumcision and female genital mutilation: a medico-legal comparison is possible? · 2026 · DOIThe paper identifies a gap in the comparison of MRC and FGM. It highlights the need for a coherent framework that places child welfare and bodily autonomy at the center.
Male ritual circumcision and female genital mutilation: a medico-legal comparison is possible? · 2026 · DOIFGM is a deeply rooted cultural practice. There is a lack of awareness and education about FGM. FGM is often performed in secret, making it difficult to track and prevent.
Female Genital Mutilation Among Women of Reproductive Age in Nibo Community, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria: A Mixed-Method Assessment of Knowledge, Perception and Practice · 2026 · DOIThe study had a limited sample size of 300 women. The study was conducted in only one community, Nibo Community, Awka South LGA, Anambra State.
Female Genital Mutilation Among Women of Reproductive Age in Nibo Community, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria: A Mixed-Method Assessment of Knowledge, Perception and Practice · 2026 · DOIThe study had a limited sample size of 144 women. The study was confined to women attending selected healthcare institutions. The study did not include a control group.
Psychosocial Drivers Sustaining Female Genital Mutilation in North-Western Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study among Women in Kaduna State · 2026 · DOI
Most-cited papers in Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues
- Male circumcision for HIV prevention in young men in Kisumu, Kenya: a randomised controlled trial · The Lancet · 2007 · 1,683 citations
- Male circumcision for HIV prevention in men in Rakai, Uganda: a randomised trial · The Lancet · 2007 · 1,629 citations
- Female genital appearance: ‘normality’ unfolds · BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2005 · 351 citations
- An Analysis of All Applications for Sex Reassignment Surgery in Sweden, 1960–2010: Prevalence, Incidence, and Regrets · Archives of Sexual Behavior · 2014 · 190 citations
- Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery: A Critical Review of Current Knowledge and Contemporary Debates · Journal of Women s Health · 2010 · 153 citations
- A Tradition in Transition: Factors Perpetuating and Hindering the Continuance of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) Summarized in a Systematic Review · Health Care For Women International · 2012 · 145 citations
- The erect ?penis? is a flag of submission in a female-dominated society: greetings in Serengeti spotted hyenas · Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology · 1993 · 136 citations
- 432 Somali Women's Birth Experiences in Canada after Earlier Female Genital Mutilation · Birth · 2000 · 136 citations
- Female Genital Surgeries: The Known, the Unknown, and the Unknowable · Medical Anthropology Quarterly · 1999 · 135 citations
- womb as oasis: the symbolic context of Pharaonic circumcision in rural Northern Sudan · American Ethnologist · 1982 · 131 citations
Most recent work
- Prevalence, clinical characteristics and management of female genital mutilation in paediatric and adolescent patients: a retrospective cohort analysis from a clinic in Vienna, Austria · Archives of Disease in Childhood · 2026
- Educating for Equity: Preparing Student Midwives for Antenatal Care of Vulnerable Pregnant Women—A Pilot Study · Healthcare · 2026
- Psychosocial experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of Xhosa women during ulwaluko · South African Journal of Psychology · 2026
- Morality cut both ways: The role of cognition and emotion in attitude moralization and demoralization. · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · 2026
- Dyspareunia and Functioning Among Somali Women Who Have Experienced Female Genital Cutting · The Journal of Sex Research · 2026
- Impact of female genital mutilation on sexual function and psychosocial wellbeing among Somali women: a cross-sectional study · BMC Women s Health · 2026
- Standardizing Core Outcome Measurement In Genital Gender-affirming Surgery: Results From The Gendercos Project · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · 2026
- Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review of Awareness, Attitudes, Satisfaction, and Clinical Outcomes · Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum · 2026
- Effectiveness of a multimedia campaign in shifting community knowledge, attitudes, social norms, and practices of female genital mutilation and child marriage in Ethiopia · BMC Public Health · 2026
- Targeting a future generation free from female genital mutilation: A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study of an awareness intervention in central Tanzania · PLOS Global Public Health · 2026
Find a gap in your own Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues sub-topic
This page shows what the Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues literature already flags as unresolved. To narrow it to your specific question, search the Research Gap Finder: the search is free with a free account and lists the papers closest to your topic first. Unlocking that topic (50 credits, charged once) fills the comparison table from our 4.5M-paper local library and writes the gaps from its rows.
Open the Research Gap Finder →