Cultural beliefs and healthcare practice associated with selected predisposing conditions to Neonatal Sepsis among Mothers in Akinlalu community,Osun state
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Date
2015
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Sociology and Anthroplogy, Obafemi Awolowo University
Abstract
This study examined the cultural beliefs that revolved around preterm deliveries, low childbirth weight and early membrane rupture among others as predisposing conditions neonates to sepsis in Akinlalu community of Osun State; assessed perceived aetiology and existing healthcare practices associated with the selected predisposing conditions to neonatal sepsis in the study area; it ascertained pathways to health seeking associated with pre-term deliveries, low childbirth weight and early membrane rupture in the area; and examined constraints to responsive health seeking in the events of any of the predisposing conditions in the area. These were with the view to identify the cultural beliefs and healthcare practices associated with selected predisposing conductions to neonatal sepsis among the rural dwellers.
The study used primary data. Data were gathered from primary sources through participant and non-participant observations, in-depth interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The study was carried out in Akinlalu due to historical background, various cultural beliefs and practices associated with childrearing in this community. Gatekeeper facilitated researcher’s entrance and cultural consultant interpreted the esoteric cultural traits of the study location. Participated cohorts include: pregnant women, old women/grandmothers, old and young fathers, newly delivered mother, childbearing mothers, community health worker (CHW) and Faith-based birth attendants (FBAs). The data were tape recorded, transcribed and translated to English before being imported into Atlas.ti version 7 for coding and content analysis. Trangulatory process was used for reporting.
The results show that, the cultural beliefs associated with conditions (pre-term delivery, low childbirth weight and early membrane rupture) that predispose newborn to neonatal sepsis in Akinlalu include the following: belief in dual nature (natural and divine) of pregnancy; the belief in God’s interference in conception; the authority of the elderly women, especially the grandmothers and the mother-in-laws; social status of parent; belief in the pre-existence of a newborn; trust in the priests; taboos and patriarchy. Other beliefs include the trust in efficacy of Opa (river goddess) and Oloke (local deity). The perceived causes and existing healthcare practices associated with the selected predisposing conditions (pre-term delivery, low childbirth weight and early membrane rupture) were natural (disease and bacteria), preternatural (destiny, breaking taboos, enemy) and heredity. The study noted the plural healthcare practices. Mothers use different mechanisms (e.g. taboos, prayer, sacred bathing, concoctions, herbs, medicines) and facilities (home remedy, spiritual home and orthodox medical facility) to prevent, protect or heal and manage pregnant women and infants. The pathway to health seeking associated with the selected predisposing conditions in the study area is determined by the perceived vulnerability, aetiology, and severity of the ill health condition or symptom which. Similarly, the entry point for any maternal condition is home remedy; then the referral, based on the opinion of elderly to either spiritual home or orthodox medical facilities in case the condition persist and/or perceive severed. Other factors influencing referrals are vicarious experience, past successes/flaws and financial status of women. The constrained to a responsive health seeking in the event of any predisposing conditions include low economic status, patriarchy and vicarious experience.
The study concluded that, the identified cultural beliefs have profound influence on mothers’ definition of the selected predisposing conditions to neonatal sepsis as well as their healthcare practices in the study area.
Description
xiii, 138p
Keywords
Cultural beliefs, Healthcare, Neonatal Sepsis, Mothers, Predisposing
Citation
Alabi,T.O (2015). Cultural beliefs and healthcare practice associated with selected predisposing conditions to Neonatal Sepsis among Mothers in Akinlalu community,Osun state. Obafemi Awolowo University