scholarly journals Socio-cultural beliefs influence feeding practices of mothers and their children in Grand Popo, Benin

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yrence Urielle Amoussou Lokossou ◽  
Ayuk Betrand Tambe ◽  
Colette Azandjèmè ◽  
Xikombiso Mbhenyane

Abstract Background Malnutrition is a major public health problem. It contributes to the high death rate among children in developing countries despite the various advocacies of institutions such as WHO and FAO and many other organisations. More research needs to be done in order to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of this study was to explore socio-cultural practices and their influence on feeding practices of mothers and their children in Grand Popo, Benin. Methods A qualitative research methodology was used with an inductive approach. A pretested discussion guide was used to conduct focus group discussions with participants in their local language. Four focus group discussions were held in 4 villages located in both the rural and the semi-urban areas with each focus group comprising seven to eight participants. The study protocol was approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee of Stellenbosch University. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed and translated to English. The data was analysed following the Creswell data analysis steps. Results All the children were breastfed, and 56.1% of children under 6 months received breast milk exclusively. Children were introduced to family foods at 5 months with very low consumption of animal protein and fruits. Mothers and children had monotonous diets with high consumption of vegetables and maize-based meals. Food taboos, particularly during pregnancy, were revealed. Those cultural beliefs were still followed by some mothers, and food rich in nutrients were pushed aside. Conclusions There is a need for educational interventions to raise awareness of the negative impacts of some socio-cultural practices on the health of the mother and child.

Author(s):  
Christiana Naa Atsreh Nsiah-Asamoah

Aim: This study sought to explore the cultural factors that are associated with complementary feeding from the reports of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Volunteers (CHVs) in two rural districts in Ghana. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study that assessed cultural beliefs, norms, superstitions and practices that influence complementary feeding practices of young children under two years in two rural farming districts in Ghana Study Area: The study was conducted at Kwahu Afram Plains North and South Districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methodology: The study employed qualitative methods which entailed conducting 9 focus group discussions among CHWs and CHVs working at two rural districts in Ghana. The focus group discussions were conducted with the aid of a validated, interview guide, after obtaining informed consent (written) from the health workers. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Boards of the Dodowa Health Research Centre and the University of Cape Coast. Thematic content analytical procedures were applied to analyze the transcripts, interpret and present findings as a narrative account. Results: The reports of the health workers indicate a common practice of early introduction of solid foods to infants before they attain six(6) months of age. Cultural beliefs, superstitions, beliefs, food taboos and prohibitions influence mothers’ complementary-feeding practices and result in limiting the food scope and dietary diversity of their young children. Conclusions: Interventions designed to promote appropriate complementary feeding practices should incorporate an understanding of social context, family, and cultural factors in developing nutrition promotion messages that are tailored to meet the needs of rural populations. More community interventions that draw on the support of key influential persons in the community and fathers are needed to address cultural barriers to appropriate complementary feeding practices.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-137
Author(s):  
Annah Anikie Molosiwa ◽  
Dipotso Galeforolwe

Several studies conducted among the San communities in Botswana have attributed failure to progress in school by the San children to inappropriate languages of instruction, insensitivity of the school culture and curriculum to their culture and learning styles. These studies have not really looked at all the contextual issues that influence child behaviour and development to the extent that they achieve their learning status. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate San’s child-rearing practices and how they transmit their cultural practices to their children. Data were gathered qualitatively through narratives, focus group discussions and interviews. The results revealed that the San are yearning for an educational system that is inclusive of their cultural practices and language, as well as having San teachers in their schools.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Jones ◽  
Nyoman Anita Damayanti ◽  
Nicola Wiseman ◽  
Neil Harris

Five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 61 pregnant women were conducted in June and July 2019 at primary health care (PHC) services within five urban areas of Surabaya, Indonesia. In addition, five semi-structured interviews with five midwives were carried out to explore the experiences of pregnant women accessing Antenatal Care (ANC) and the factors shaping uptake of ANC services. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings from focus group discussions suggested that fears of negative diagnosis before initial ANC appointment and personal beliefs and myths surrounding pregnancy may delay uptake of ANC. Further, the influence of husbands, family, and friends and long waiting times with overcrowding leading to limited seating shaped timely access and return visits. In addition, feeling comfortable with the quality of the service and receiving a friendly service from the practitioners assisted women in feeling comfortable to return. Finally, midwives acknowledged feeling afraid of being referred to a hospital if deemed a high-risk pregnancy-shaped return ANC visits. The findings highlighted several factors needing to be addressed to increase the promptness of first ANC visits and ensure return visits to achieve great ANC coverage.


Author(s):  
Samkelo Bala ◽  
Simon M. Kang’ethe

AbstractNyaope is a potent drug that is currently challenging South Africa; its ramifications have destroyed the country’s youth. The study described in this paper sought to explore the dangers associated with the consumption of Nyaope in Butterworth, South Africa. This study adopted an explorative and descriptive qualitative approach that involved the facilitation of focus group discussions and one-on-one interviews with twenty-six participants. An analysis of the findings of the study revealed the health hazards associated with consuming Nyaope and the tendency of Nyaope consumption to induce hallucinations and delusions in young people. Moreover, the study showed that Nyaope stimulated mood swings among female adolescents, its consumption created a fertile ground for conflict, and the addiction to Nyaope led to the destruction of the future of female adolescents. The researchers recommend the application of multiple approaches to preventing the initiation of Nyaope consumption. These approaches include attempts to control the peddling of Nyaope in schools and communities as well as the introduction of pro-active educational interventions regarding the dangers of Nyaope on the part of relevant institutions and government.


Dialogia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Riza Wulandari ◽  
Ni Nyoman Wulan Antari

Abstract:The rapid growing of urban industrial sector require villages in urban areas having various ways to survive for life. Recently, urban villages do not have distinctive characteristics. They are gradually eroded by the presence of elite housing as a result of the resolution of the kampongs. The purpose of this research is to map the economic potential of the Kepaon Islamic Village which is located in the majority Hindu circumstances. Rapid Rural Apraissal was employed as a method in solving problems and the data were collected by Focus Group discussions, interviews and mini surveys. The results of this study showed that in addition to the social, cultural and religious potential,  there is economic potential in the form of Mukena Bali Business that can strengthen the identity of Kepaon Islamic Village in the midst of the Hindu community.ملخص:تطور مجال الصناعيات المدنية أصبح تطورا هائلاما يلزم سكان القرية الواقعة في المدينة البقاء على قيد الحياة حارصين على سبيل العيش بمختلف طرقه، فكلما حركة القرية المدنية تبقى جامدة أي لا تملك مميزات خاصة كانت امكانيتها الاقتصادية تنخفض وتنحدر، ولاسيما إذ بناء المنازل الفاخرة تستمر تلبية لأمنية مستقبلية بدعم من بيئة تمنع أهلها لاستظهار هويته. وتهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تحديد امكانيات اقتصادية في قرية المسلمين قرية كفاؤون حيث إنهم يعيشون في وسط مناطق مجتمع المتمسكين بديانة الهنود في الأغلب. Rapid Rural Apraissal عبارة عن طريقة تحليل المسألة بوسيلة جمع البيانات، والحوار، والاستطلاع. وتتضح نيتجة الدراسة بأن إمكانيات سكان قرية كفاؤون ليست مقصورة على ناحية اجتماعية، وثقافية، ودينية فحسب وإنما امتدت إلى امكانيات اقتصادية قادرة على تقوية هوية سكان قرية كفاؤون وسط مجتمع الهنود، وتلك امكانية اقتصادية تأتي على انتاج ملابس دينية.Abstrak: Sektor industrial perkotaan semakin berkembang pesat mengharuskan kampung yang ada di perkotaan harus memiliki berbagai cara untuk tetap bertahan untuk hidup. Semakin kampung kota tidak memiliki ciri khas, lambat laun akan semakin tergerus dengan hadirnya perumahan-perumahan elite wujud dari resolusi kampung kota didukung pula dengan lingkungan yang bukan menjadi jati diri mereka. Tujuan dilakukan penelitian ini adalah untuk memetakan potensi ekonomi dari Kampung Islam Kepaon yang berada di lingkungan mayoritas agama Hindu.Rapid Rural Apraissal merupakan metode dalam penyelesaian masalah dengan teknik pengumpulan data berupa focus group discussion, wawancara dan mini survey. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah selain potensi yang telah dimiliki oleh Kampung Islam Kepaon yaitu potensi sosial, budaya dan religi, ternyata terdapat potensi ekonomi yang dapat memperkuat identitas kampung Islam kepaon di tengah masyarakat umat Hindu yakni usaha mukena bali.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Hashmi ◽  
P. B. Nyein ◽  
K. Pilaseng ◽  
M. K. Paw ◽  
M. C. Darakamon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of maternal risk factors, infant risk factors and maternal infant feeding practices among refugees and migrants along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Methods This study employed a mixed-methods approach with two components: (1) cross-sectional survey (n = 390) and (2) focus group discussions (n = 63). Participants were chosen from one of three clinics providing antenatal and delivery services for Karen and Burman refugees and migrants along the border. Participants were pregnant women and mother-infant dyads. Results Refugee and migrant mothers demonstrated high rates of suboptimal breastfeeding and low rates of minimum dietary diversity and acceptable diet. Multivariable regression models showed infant stunting (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.84, p = 0.020) and underweight (AOR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.36, p = 0.015) to have increased odds among migrants, while each 5 cm increase in maternal height had decreased odds of stunting (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.66, p < 0.001) and underweight (AOR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.85, p = 0.002). In addition, small-for-gestational-age adjusted for length of gestation, infant age and gender increased odds of infant’s stunting (AOR: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.88, 6.22, p < 0.001) and underweight (AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 2.36, 8.34, p < 0.001). Using the Integrated Behavioural Model, focus group discussions explained the cross-sectional findings in characterising attitudes, perceived norms, and personal agency as they relate to maternal nutrition, infant malnutrition, and infant feeding practices. Conclusions Inadequate infant feeding practices are widespread in refugee and migrant communities along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Risk factors particular to maternal nutrition and infant birth should be considered for future programming to reduce the burden of chronic malnutrition in infants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Maulingin-Gumbaketi ◽  
Sarah Larkins ◽  
Ronny Gunnarsson ◽  
Gun Rembeck ◽  
Maxine Whittaker ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Menarche, the first menstruation, is a significant developmental milestone for females. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), menarche is an important socio-cultural event marking transition from girlhood to womanhood. PNG is a culturally and linguistically diverse nation, with wide-ranging socio-cultural beliefs and practices around menarche. This study explored post-menarcheal women’s understanding about body changes and menarche, preparation for menarche, and related cultural beliefs and practices at menarche. Methods A constructivist grounded theory study was conducted with 98 female participants who originated from four PNG provinces: Eastern Highlands Province; East Sepik Province; Milne Bay Province; and National Capital District. The participants were purposively and theoretically sampled, with 10 focus group discussions and six individual interviews conducted using a semi-structured interview guide for data collection. Focus group discussions and interviews were voice recorded and transcribed. Data were inductively analyzed using initial, intermediate and advanced coding, memos and constant comparative methods to develop a theoretical model that explains women’s experiences at menarche. Interview participants also identified actions required to improve future experiences of girls at menarche in PNG. Results A grounded theory comprising the core category of ‘Making of a Strong Woman’ and four interconnecting categories (‘Having Baby Sense’; ‘Beginning of Learning’; ‘Intensifying Learning’; and ‘Achieving Womanhood’) was constructed. ‘Urban’ and ‘Rural’ represented both geographical and socio-cultural intervening conditions that influence the experiences of girls at menarche. Experiences of young women at menarche were rooted in socio-cultural beliefs and practices. Women reported being physically and emotionally distressed and unprepared at onset of menarche. Mothers were considered important support, however, their ability to adequately prepare their daughters is limited by shame and secrecy. Despite these limitations, cultural practices at menarche provided an opportunity for intensive preparation of girls for womanhood. Conclusion Limited pre-menarcheal awareness of the meaning of body changes and menarche of girls was linked to culture of shame and secrecy about open discussion on sexuality. However, traditional cultural practices provide an opportunity for collective support and focused learning for girls. Findings from this study have implications for broader sexual and reproductive health education programs in addressing menstrual health and hygiene in PNG, and the Pacific.


2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (06) ◽  
pp. 495-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-Yuan Hung ◽  
Ching-Heng Lin ◽  
Ying-Chih Lo ◽  
Der-Ming Liou

SummaryBackground: As a result of the disease‘s high prevalence, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a global public health problem. A clinical decision support system that integrates with computer-interpretable guidelines (CIGs) should improve clinical outcomes and help to ensure patient safety.Objectives: The openEHR guideline definition language (GDL) is a formal language used to represent CIGs. This study explores the feasibility of using a GDL approach for CKD; it also attempts to identify any potential gaps between the ideal concept and reality.Methods: Using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) anemia guideline as material, we designed a development workflow in order to establish a series of GDL guidelines. Focus group discussions were conducted in order to identify important issues related to GDL implementation.Results: Ten GDL guidelines and 37 archetypes were established using the KDIGO guideline document. For the focus group discussions, 16 clinicians and 22 IT experts were recruited and their perceptions, opinions and attitudes towards the GDL approach were explored. Both groups provided positive feedback regarding the GDL approach, but raised various concerns about GDL implementation.Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, we identified some potential gaps that might exist during implementation between the GDL concept and reality. Three directions remain to be investigated in the future. Two of them are related to the openEHR GDL approach. Firstly, there is a need for the editing tool to be made more sophisticated. Secondly, there needs to be integration of the present approach into non openEHR-based hospital information systems. The last direction focuses on the applicability of guidelines and involves developing a method to resolve any conflicts that occur with insurance payment regulations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 9-15
Author(s):  
IMPS Ilankoon ◽  
CSE Goonewardena ◽  
RC Fernandopulle ◽  
PPR Perera

Objective: Vulvo-vaginal discharge, which is a common gynaecological complaint, can be a normal phys- iological discharge or a symptom of an underlying reproductive tract infection, genital tract neoplasm, or other reproductive tract disorder. It is pertinent to differentiate physiological discharge from a pathological vulvo-vaginal discharge in order to prevent complications of untreated reproductive tract infections. Women are not seeking health advices for most of their gynaecological health issues and have different cultural practices to manage them. This study was conducted to explore the different cultural practices associated with vulvo-vaginal discharge among females aged 18–49 years living in an estate community in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with a total number of 20 women. Transcribed verbatim data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Majority of the participants were Indian Tamils (n = 17, 85%) and Hindu (n = 15, 75%). Most (65%) of women were employed in the estate labour and educated up to grade 11 (n = 13). The major themes identified in the present study were difficulty in differentiating normal from abnormal vaginal discharge, lack of knowledge on causative factors, cultural influences and beliefs, unstable/limited source of income, fear of disclosing, and lack of support system. Many participants explained that they have difficulty in accessing health care as they are busy with their employment, household work, fear of internal examination, and fear of being admitted to the hospital ward. The common practice was to use home remedies such as polpala herbal drink (Balipoovu, Aerva lanata) or Neeramulliya (Asteracantha longifolia Linn) herbal drink, king coconut, Sauw (sago) Kanji, Uluhal (Fenugreek), and Aloe vera juice prior consulting medical advice for abnormal vaginal discharge. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed the need of support for women in estate sector for their repro- ductive and sexual health matters. There is a high need of public health care worker’s guidance and counselling to overcome barriers for health care utilization in this community.


Author(s):  
Uttam Kumar Paul ◽  
Pramukh Bhattacharyya ◽  
Rituparna Bhattacharyya ◽  
Arup Bandyopadhyay

Background: In a tropical country like India, malaria is a major vector borne disease ranging from highly urbanised to deep rural areas. Though lots of health activities are going on against it in urban areas it is difficult to penetrate the deep rural areas particularly the tribal based interior villages because of lack of initiative, huge illiteracy, gross poverty and language problems. Therefore, a study was ventured in a rural community in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India occupied by members of scheduled tribe called 'Bedia' whose mother tongue is a tribal language called 'Nagori'- to understand their knowledge and perceptions about malaria so that future actions can be taken to uplift their health status and awareness particularly in relation to malaria.Methods: Present study have conducted three focus group discussions (FGDs), one with male participants, one with females and the third one involving both the sexes. There were 9-11 participants per FGD and total of 28 participants were included in the study.Results: The transcripts were at first coded and then categories were framed. Total six categories, which are: perceived causes of malaria, perceived features of malaria, mode of spread, treatment, difficulties and modes of prevention. After the content analysis of the transcripts conclusion was drawn.Conclusions: Through our field work and the focus group discussions on the Bedia tribes we understood several misconceptions and lack of awareness of the tribal community about malaria. However, it was possible to create awareness and confidence among them that they could take all preventive measures and positive approaches towards malaria.


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