INTRODUCTIONNewborn infants are unique in their physiology. The newborn period (first 28 days of life) is characterized by transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, rapid growth and development. This phase in life has the greatest risk of mortality.1 India accounts for 25% of global neonatal deaths. Even though the mortality rate has come down over the recent years, the decline has been slower. Studies have reported that health outcomes of newborns (neonates) are determined not just by their biological factors but also by the socio-cultural environment of a community.2 Neonatal mortality is higher (40/1000 live births) in tribal areas than the national statistics. The tribes live in geographical conditions ranging from plains and forests to hills. ABSTRACTBackground: Neonatal mortality is high in tribal areas. Cultural practices influence the newborn health outcomes in tribal communities. Each tribe has its own unique practices on newborn rearing. Little scientific information is available on the beliefs and practices related to essential newborn care among tribes in Tamilnadu. An understanding of the tribe specific newborn care practices by health workers could facilitate them to provide effective newborn care. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Sittilingi tribal area in Dharmapuri district of Tamilnadu during the period August and September 2016. The data was collected by In-Depth interviews of 10 mothers with infants, selected by Snow ball sampling method. Local newborn care beliefs and practices were explored and analysis of their beneficial or harmful effects was carried out. Results: The findings show that beneficial practices like utilizing antenatal services, institutional deliveries, delayed bathing and measures to prevent infection were adopted. Harmful practices being followed included late initiation of breastfeeding, denying colostrum, feeding prelacteals, improper thermal care and application of indigenous substances on umbilical cord stump. Conclusions: In spite of utilization of health services, traditional beliefs still play a crucial role in influencing neonatal care practices in the study area. The findings necessitate a need for accessing the prevalence of cultural practices by quantitative studies. Midwives being a vital source of information should be aware of local cultural practices in their work place, to plan for effective behavior change among the mothers to preserve safe practices and avoid harmful practices.

Breastfeeding is useful for both the mother and child, and it is known as an effective method to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality. This study intended to reveal the infant breastfeeding experience of women in Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu, India, as well as to explore the problems from breastfeeding among them. A Qualitative study design was adopted, and 20 breastfeeding women in the Pediatric ward of Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital (RMMCH), Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu, India were selected using purposive sampling. Data on demographic variables, physical and social dimensions of breastfeeding mothers were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that 95% of mothers had no previous education about breastfeeding. All the selected mothers had experienced latching difficulty and burping problem and also received adequate family support from their mother and relatives. Other breastfeeding difficulties such as lack of milk secretion, pain over the breast, breast engorgement, headache, fatigue and disturbed sleep were also identified among mothers. All 20 mothers did not participate in any social gathering about breastfeeding. This study revealed the difficulties faced by mothers in physical and social dimensions and recommended the need for social initiatives to encourage breastfeeding.

Background: Tinnitus is defined as the perception of the sound in the absence of external stimulation. Since tinnitus is a subjective phenomenon, its characteristics vary from individual to individual. A vast heterogeneity prevails in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. The phenomenon of maladaptive plasticity changes in the auditory system and Non-auditory system is widely accepted mechanism of tinnitus.