Self-delay for Timely Antenatal Care, Rituals and Heavy-Handed in-laws: Cultural Practices Killing Pregnant Women in Zambia- Lundazi district

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-86
Author(s):  
Patricia Mambwe
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Maternal Complications ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Maternal Deaths ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Maize Field

This study examined socio-cultural practices surrounding maternal deaths in Lundazi district –Zambia. The practices stealthily affect antenatal care received by antenatal women with subsequent maternal complications and deaths. Four Focus Group Discussions involving 40 members of Small Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs) were conducted in March 2018.This study found that pregnant women in Lundazi district- Zambia delay to initiate antenatal care until 6th or 7th month of their pregnancy. The reasons given include fear of witchcraft stealing the human embryo for magic. Pregnant women are delayed further as they seek traditional medicines from Traditional Healers for pregnancy protection. Other pregnant women cannot attend antenatal care consistently because their mothers-in-law want them to do what is considered beneficial for a woman traditionally- do house chores or join the team going to the maize field. Late antenatal initiation is a crisis. It is an emergency in waiting for which some pregnant women never recover.

scholarly journals Factors Shaping Uptake of Antenatal Care in Surabaya Municipality, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Jones ◽  
Nyoman Anita Damayanti ◽  
Nicola Wiseman ◽  
Neil Harris
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Risk Pregnancy ◽  
Return Visits

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.

scholarly journals Exploring community support on safe motherhood: A case of Lilongwe District, Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy Pindani ◽  
Idesi Chilinda ◽  
Janet Botha ◽  
Genesis Chorwe-Sungani
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Safe Motherhood ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Maternal Deaths ◽  
Health Committee ◽  
Village Health

Background: Malawi is grappling with a high maternal mortality of 439 per 100 000 live births. It is estimated that 80% of maternal deaths can be prevented by actively engaging the community in the country. However, community support on safe motherhood remains unknown.Aim: This study, therefore, explored community support rendered to mothers and babies during antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum periods.Setting: This study was conducted in the Lilongwe District, Malawi.Methods: This was a qualitative study that collected data from 30 village health committee members through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: This study found that community support on safe motherhood rendered to women varied. The following five themes emerged from FGDs data on community support on safe motherhood: antenatal support, intrapartum support, postpartum support, bylaws reinforced by chiefs in the community and safe motherhood support groups. Community members encourage pregnant women to attend antenatal care, escorted pregnant women to the hospital for delivery and assisted women to care for a child and go for postpartum checkups. Community bylaws were considered as a necessary tool for encouraging women to attend antenatal care, deliver at the health facility and attend postpartum checkups.Conclusion: This study suggests that community members play a crucial role in providing support to women and newborns during antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum periods.

scholarly journals Dietary Diversity Practice and its Influencing Factors Among Pregnant Women in Afar Region of Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study Design Supplemented by Qualitative Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Temesgen Gebeyehu Wondmeneh
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Care Visit

Abstract Background: Women in low-income countries are frequently malnourished when they become pregnant, and the demands of pregnancy can exacerbate nutritional deficiencies, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, with serious health effects on the fetus. Antenatal nutritional supplements can help to improve birth outcomes and maternal health. As a result, determining the magnitude of dietary diversity and its influencing factors among pregnant women in the pastoral region of Afar, where no study has been conducted, is an essential in order to establish an intervention program in the region. Method: A mixed study comprising 241 pregnant women and six focus group discussions was conducted from October 1 to November 10, 2018. Participants in the quantitative study were selected by a systematic sampling method, whereas those in the focus group discussions were chosen by using purposive sampling method. The data was collected using pretested questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews. The relationship between dietary diversity practice and its affecting factors was investigated using logistic regression analysis. The strength of the association was determined by odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval. Thematic framework was used to analyse the qualitative data.Results: Seventy-three percent of pregnant women had poor dietary diversity. Dietary diversity was higher in younger pregnant women who were under the age of 20 years (AOR=5.8; at 95% CI: 1.6-13.5) and aged between 21-25 years (AOR=3.9; at 95 percent CI:1.1-12.2) than in older pregnant women with over the age of 30 years. Those participants with a high average family income (above 4500 birr) had a good dietary diversity when compared to those with family income less than 1500 birr (AOR=0.1:95% 39 CI;0.02-0.7) and between 1500-3000 birr (AOR=0.05:95% CI;0.01-0.2). Pregnant women who had one antenatal care visit practiced less dietary diversity than those who had four or more (AOR=0.18: 95 percent CI; 0.04-0.8). Protein-rich foods (meat and eggs), semisolid foods (porridge and cereal soup), milk, fruit (banana) and vegetable (cabbage) 43 were the most commonly avoided foods by pregnant women. These meals were commonly avoided since they produced large babies and were attached to the fetus's body.Conclusion: The majority of study participants had a poor dietary diversity. Pregnant women with a low family income and only one prenatal care visit were less likely than those with a high family income and four or more antenatal care visits to practice dietary diversity, respectively. Most pregnant women avoided high-protein diets, semi-solid foods, milk, vegetable and fruit. Due to the presumptions of producing large fetus and attached to the fetus's body, these foods were avoided.

Effects of Novel Coronavirus 2019 Infection on Antenatal Hematological Parameters in Pregnant Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 3279-3284
Author(s):  
Monika . ◽  
Israt Saba Mari ◽  
Monika Maheshwari ◽  
Shahida Shaikh ◽  
Qararo Shah Syed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Hematological Parameters ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Maternal Complications ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group I ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background: Disturbance of haematological parameters is prevalent in pregnancy globally leading to a range of feto-maternal complications. Covid-19 infection has potential to enhance the severity of and complications impending due to anaemia in pregnancy. Objective: To determine the effects of Covid-19 infection on haematological parameters during antenatal care among pregnant women in rural Sindh. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Shaikh Zaid Institute, Chandka Medical College, Larkana. Duration: From March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2021. Materials and Method: A sample of 110 pregnant women, of 18-50 years of age, presenting in first through third trimester with single alive pregnancy, were included in the study after taking a valid written consent. The Research Evaluation Committee of SMBBMU- Larkana granted approval. Women having any haemoglobinopathy were excluded. Covid-19 test conducted through rt-PCR method. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data of two groups. Analysis was performed through SPSS Version-23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Results: Mean ± SD age was 30.3 ± 6.99 (Range: 19 to 45) years. Both groups were identical in age. Mean ± SD gestational age was 28.12 ± 4.66 weeks (Range: 20-38). Covid-19 positive women had lower mean Hb (9.7 ± 2.11) than the covid-19 negative (10.54 ± 2.51; P = 0.158). Other haematological parameters like MCV, serum ferritin, TIBC, TLC & platelets were statistically different between groups. Women of eldest group i-e; in 41-50 years, from urban areas, second trimester (gest. age 13-24 weeks), and nulliparous had been affected more from covid-19 (P = 0.271, 0.748, 0.290 & 0.053). Frequency and severity of anaemia was more among Covid-19 positive women. Conclusion: Covid‐19 demands maternal healthcare to be extra vigilant to the haematological parameters of pregnant women during antenatal care till delivery. Keywords: Antenatal care, pregnancy, anaemia, haemoglobin, Covid‐19.

Child rearing practices of the San communities in Botswana: potential lessons for educators

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-137
Author(s):  
Annah Anikie Molosiwa ◽  
Dipotso Galeforolwe
Keyword(s):  
School Culture ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Educational System ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Child Behaviour ◽  
Child Rearing ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Failure To Progress

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.

scholarly journals Low Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Bed Net among Pregnant Women in the Middle Belt of Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Manu ◽  
Ellen Abrafi Boamah-Kaali ◽  
Lawrence Gyabaa Febir ◽  
Emmanuel Ayipah ◽  
Seth Owusu-Agyei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Premature Birth ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Itn Use ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background. Malaria in pregnancy leads to low birth weight, premature birth, anaemia, and maternal and neonatal mortality. Use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) during pregnancy is one of the proven interventions to reduce the malaria burden. However, Ghana has not achieved its target for ITN use among pregnant women. Methods. A qualitative study was conducted in seven communities purposively selected from the middle belt of Ghana. Participants who had delivered in the six months prior to this study were selected. In all, seven focus group discussions and twenty-four in-depth interviews were conducted between June and August 2010. Results. Respondents knew of the importance of ITNs and other malaria-preventive strategies. Factors such as financial access and missed opportunities of free distribution denied some pregnant women the opportunity to own or use an ITN. Reasons for not using ITNs during pregnancy included discomfort resulting from heat, smell of the net, and difficulty in hanging the net. Participants maintained their ITNs by preventing holes in the nets, retreatment, and infrequent washing. Conclusion. Pregnant women know about the causes and prevention of malaria. However, this knowledge is not transformed into practice due to lack of access to ITNs and sleeping discomforts among other logistical constraints.

Healers and Psychiatrists: The Transformation of Mental Health Care in Tajikistan

2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisher Latypov
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Health Care Provision ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

This article examines the transformation of mental health care in Tajikistan from the time of Russian colonization of Central Asia until the most recent years of post-independence. It incorporates a review of published literature into the analysis of locally available reports, focus group discussions, interviews and oral histories collected between 2005 and 2008. Traditional healers play a significant role in contemporary Tajikistan, where mental health care provision is influenced by the legacy of Soviet psychiatry. Tajik mental health care may now be in a “dormant” phase, characterized by a widespread neglect of people with mental illnesses.

scholarly journals Ramadan fasting during pregnancy: characteristics and outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3936
Author(s):  
Kariman Ghazal ◽  
Janoub Khazaal ◽  
Janoub Khazaal ◽  
Rabih Chahine ◽  
Rabih Chahine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Muslim Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Maternal Complications ◽  
Ramadan Fasting

Background: The primary aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of pregnant women who fast during Ramadan. The secondary outcome was their beliefs and motivations regarding fasting during Ramadan in addition to the consequences of fasting on maternal and neonatal outcome.Methods: A retrospective review of pregnant patients aged between 18-45 years who presented for antenatal care in the private clinic in Beirut, Lebanon during or after the month of Ramadan between 2010 and 2019 was performed.Results: A total of 502 pregnant patients were included in the study, of which 426 (84.9%) fasted during Ramadan and 76 (15.1%) did not fast at all. Of those who fasted, 148 (34.7%) fasted between 1 and 15 days while 278 (65.3%) fasted more than 15 days. Multiparous and non-Lebanese women had significantly higher rate of fasting compared to primiparous and Lebanese women. Adherence to fasting was associated with the spiritual environment that accompanies the month of Ramadan while non-adherence was mainly related to the fear from adverse effects on the mother and fetus. Fasting was not significantly associated with maternal complications or decreased neonatal birth weight.Conclusions: The present study showed that Ramadan fasting is important to pregnant Muslim women. This was manifested by the relatively high rate of fasting even in summer and spring seasons. Understanding the beliefs and motivations of pregnant women would provide valuable insight to physicians to appropriately advise these women without compromising the maternal or fetal well-being.

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
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

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.

scholarly journals Exploring Indonesian mothers' perspective on anemia during pregnancy: A qualitative approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darmawati Darmawati ◽  
Tongku Nizwan Siregar ◽  
Hajjul Kamil ◽  
Teuku Tahlil
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Cultural Competency ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Clinical Indicators ◽  
Beliefs And Values ◽  
Anemia During Pregnancy ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Abstract Background: Anemia is a major problem experienced during pregnancy in Indonesia due to its effect on mothers and babies. Hence, various interventions have been implemented, but a significant reduction in the prevalence of anemia has not been attained. The present study, therefore, aims to investigate the perceptions of anemia among pregnant women in Aceh to design culturally relevant interventions.Methods: This qualitative study collected data from 24 pregnant women in Aceh Besar District, Indonesia, through focus group discussions (FGDs). Data were analyzed using the inductive content analysis (ICA) method.Results: Five themes emerged from the experiences of pregnant women with anemia: (1) anemia during pregnancy is perceived as a woman’s destiny, (2) there is a lack of knowledge related to clinical indicators of anemia, (3) there is a traditional taboo related to anemia, (4) the husband and family provide support related to preventing anemia, and (5) there is a need for cultural and religious-based health counseling.Conclusions: Interventions should be designed to provide health information on anemia in Aceh that considers the local knowledge, beliefs and values, combined with medical elements. This intervention will likely change the perceptions of pregnant women about anemia to ensure that they are able to better maintain their pregnancy. Furthermore, the implementation of programs to support pregnant women with anemia should ensure that health workers are adequately trained in cultural competency and are able to understand the needs of pregnant women.

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