Knowledge, attitudes, practices and training on female genital mutilation among healthcare professionals: a cross-sectional study in the Veneto Region, Italy

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) represents a violation of human rights and a major public health concern, with significant obstetric, gynecological, and psychological implications. Despite its increasing prevalence in non-practicing Western countries with high migratory pressure, the knowledge and competencies of healthcare professionals working in these settings remain underexplored. Aim: To investigate knowledge, experiences, attitudes, and training on FGM of healthcare professionals working in the Veneto region (Italy). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey distributed between June and August 2025 to healthcare professionals, specifically gynaecologists and midwives. A 37-item questionnaire was developed exploring sociodemographic characteristics, clinical experience, knowledge (general, clinical, classificatory, and legal), and training. Descriptive analyses assessed knowledge levels across the investigated domains, and multivariate linear regression was used to examine the influence of various factors on knowledge scores. Results: A total of 182 healthcare professionals, primarily midwives (85.7%), completed the knowledge section and were included in the final analysis. Two-thirds of respondents reported clinical experience with women affected by FGM; however, only 31.9% felt confident discussing the topic with patients. The main barriers identified were linguistic and cultural difficulties (73.1%) and lack of training (54.5%). Within the knowledge domains, the largest gaps concerned the WHO classification and clinical competencies, while legal knowledge was the best-known area. Multivariate analysis showed that training was the only factor independently associated with higher knowledge scores (β = 2.47; 95% CI: 0.85–4.09; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Knowledge gaps and limited communicative confidence regarding FGM persist among Italian healthcare professionals. Educational programs, at both undergraduate and continuing education levels, along with standardized institutional protocols, are essential to address these gaps and support healthcare professionals in the identification, management, and prevention of FGM, ensuring appropriate and culturally sensitive care. Key words: Female genital mutilation, Healthcare professional, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Training.