TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - Risk assessment for antenatal depression among women who have undergone female genital mutilation or cutting: are we missing the mark?
JO  - Australian and New Zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
A1  - Boghossian, Araz S.
A1  - Freebody, John
A1  - Moses, Rebecca
A1  - Jenkins, Gregory
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - BACKGROUND: Although prohibited by specific legislation in Australia, patterns of global migration underscore the importance for local clinicians to recognise and manage potential complications associated with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The incidence of antenatal depression in Australia is 10% and may be higher among those with a history of FGM/C (RANZCOG 2 statement: Perinatal Anxiety and Depression, 2012). The phenomenon of cultural embedding could represent a protective factor against an increase in mental health problems among these women. <br><br>AIM: To determine whether women who have undergone FGM/C are at greater risk of depression in the antenatal period as defined by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentre retrospective case-control study was performed. Participants who had delivered at either of two hospitals, had migrated from FGM/C-prevalent countries and who had undergone FGM/C were assessed and compared with the control group, case-matched by language and religion. <br><br>RESULTS: Eighty-nine cases were included with an equal number of matched controls. No significant difference in the EPDS score was demonstrated when analysed as a continuous variable (P = 0.41) or as a categorical variable with a cut-off score of 12 (P = 0.12). There was no difference in the number of women who identified as having thoughts of self-harm between the two groups. <br><br>CONCLUSION: There was no identified increase in the risk of antenatal depression among women who have undergone FGM/C from high-prevalence countries. Consideration must be given to the utility of the EPDS in this population, as well as factors such as cultural embedding.<br><br>© 2019 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0004-8666
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajo.13001
ID  - ref1
ER  -