Culture-Based Beliefs and Practices on Pregnancy and Childbirth among Sorsoguenos

AbstractThis study reviews aspects of the history of medicine for women from approximately the third century BCE to the tenth century CE. It focuses on therapies during the months of pregnancy and childbirth as recorded in newly discovered texts, on the developing pharmacopeia, and on ritual procedures. It argues that acupuncture was used only rarely on pregnant women and that many cultural and religious beliefs and practices, including those drawn from the Buddhist, Daoist, and popular traditions, influenced procedures undertaken in preparation for and during the birth process.

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The role of culture in influencing sexual and reproductive health of pastoral adolescent girls in Karamoja sub-region in Uganda

Pastoralism Research Policy and Practice ◽

10.1186/s13570-020-00188-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Stella Achen ◽

Peter Atekyereza ◽

Charles B. Rwabukwali

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Cultural Issues ◽

Beliefs And Practices ◽

Key Informants ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽

Pastoral Communities

AbstractSexual and reproductive health (SRH) is vital for general health. However, problems of SRH such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and complications during pregnancy and childbirth among adolescents frequently arise due to risky sexual behaviour. Often, this challenge is linked to socio-cultural issues associated with sexuality which result in disparities in the SRH of adolescent girls. Culture provides rules of sexual conduct between sexes which shape knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding the sexuality of adolescent girls and influence SRH. However, empirical evidence remains scarce on the role of culture in shaping sexuality which affects the SRH of adolescent girls of pastoral communities. This paper explores the role of culture in shaping the SRH of adolescent girls in the pastoral communities of Karamoja sub-region in Uganda. Using the ethnographic method, qualitative data from interviews, key informants, and focus groups was obtained from adolescent girls, key informants, and old women in Moroto District to understand the perceptions of sexuality. The authors made audio recordings and took field notes. Atlas.ti 8.4.15 was used to organize the data which was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that the perception of wealth defines sexuality and influences SRH, social support for sexual assault victims promotes SRH, and beliefs and practices of sexuality shape the SRH of adolescent girls. Promoting a continuous awareness of the harmful cultural practices is vital in attaining SRH among pastoral adolescent girls. Understanding the role of culture in the influence of SRH is important for the effective provision of SRH services.

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Cultural and traditional food practices in pregnancy and breastfeeding

10.1093/med/9780198722700.003.0031 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Sir Peter Gluckman ◽

Mark Hanson ◽

Chong Yap Seng ◽

Anne Bardsley

Keyword(s):

Infant Health ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Cultural Beliefs ◽

Beliefs And Practices ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽

Food Practices ◽

Traditional Health ◽

Traditional Health Care ◽

Pregnancy And Lactation ◽

Optimum Nutrition

Cultural beliefs and practices can markedly influence a woman’s pregnancy and childbirth experiences, and may shape her mothering behaviour. In addition, dietary intake before and during pregnancy and through lactation is often influenced by cultural beliefs and practices. As some traditional health care beliefs and food practices favoured in different cultures appear to result from efforts to address specific environmental challenges, it is important to recognize and respect these beliefs while guiding women towards optimum nutrition and away from harmful practices or prohibitions. This chapter discusses the implications of some common food practices, as well as cultural practices that are specific to pregnancy and lactation, on maternal and infant health.

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Taboos, traditional practices and beliefs affecting pregnancy and childbirth in Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto Region: University of Namibia fourth year nursing students’ rural placement experience of 2016, Oshakati campus, Namibia

International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies ◽

10.14419/ijans.v7i1.12165 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 68

Author(s):

Ester Mulenga ◽

Sabina Aisheoiwa David ◽

Lucia Ndahambelela Pinehas

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Traditional Practices ◽

Care Providers ◽

Community Members ◽

Traditional Beliefs ◽

Beliefs And Practices ◽

Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽

The People ◽

Negative Effect

Traditional beliefs and practices can influence the health of the people. The purpose of this article was to describe taboos and traditional practices related to pregnancy and childbirth. There was no actual research done, but taboos and traditional practices were identified during rural placement of nursing students in rural health facilities. The results indicated that there are different taboos and traditional practices related to pregnancy and childbirth, some of them are beneficial and others are detrimental to the health of the mother and the baby. In conclusion, there is a need for health care providers to strengthen health education on the importance of diet and also to educate mothers and community members on the taboos which have negative effect on the mother and babies.

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