Cultural Beliefs and Infant Mortality in Nigeria

Abstract

Rationale. Nearly half of all deaths prior to the age of five years globally occur in five nations: China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, with almost a third of these deaths in India and Nigeria (Lawson et al., 2014). Methods. This study investigated the cultural beliefs about infant mortality among working mothers in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to sample (N = 2400) working mothers on their cultural beliefs in relation to infant mortality. The present study uses an indigenous questionnaire, “Cultural Beliefs of Infant Mortality Questionnaire (CBIMQ).” A series of hierarchical regressions and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were employed to test the hypotheses that cultural beliefs about infant mortality would vary by geography, ethnicity, age, income, education, and marital status. Results. Findings revealed that age, education, and mothers’ monthly income significantly predicted working mothers’ cultural beliefs of infant mortality. Furthermore, results showed differences in marital status, urban vs. rural locality, ethnicity, and religious affiliation on working mothers’ cultural beliefs of infant mortality. Conclusion. We discuss the implications to address health issues and provide recommendations for targeted programs such as seminars and workshops to be organized by counselors on the scientific causes of infant mortality.

Traditional Uvulectomy: A common and potentially life-threatening practice in a developing country

“…It is not uncommon to find ill children receiving herbal concoctions, trado-medical procedures such as traditional uvulectomy, and some form of orthodox treatments usually obtained from patent medicine dealers, as seen in all of our patients. This usually results in late presentation, thus leading to increased childhood morbidity and mortality (29,30) Ignorance and cultural practices are also among the possible driving factors to the practice of traditional uvulectomy. The common indications for this procedure include cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea, hematemesis, rejection of breast milk, growth retardation, and in some cultures, as part of ritual ceremonies in the first week of life (8,17,12,31).…”

Preventive Health Behaviour: Any Possible Link with Perceived Cultural Belief and Fear of Covid-19?

“…Thus, all people, no matter the race, have their beliefs and practices concerning health, and each society or community has its peculiar way of doing things and these practices go a long way in influencing the people's perception, attitudes and behavior in the maintenance of heath, and management of health related problems (WHO, 2017). Most of these cultural beliefs in Nigeria have existed long before the colonial days and advent of orthodox medicine and the practices of these beliefs may be related to greater health risks [6]. Some even believe that health-related issues are usually caused by angry gods and evil spirits.…”