CULTURAL NORMS THAT EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN KIBERA SLUM UPHOLD

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was cultural norms that expectant mothers in Kibera slum uphold.Methodology: The study utilized a correlation research design. The target population comprised all expectant mothers within Kibera slums who were present at the selected clinics during antenatal day at the time of data collection. The target population also constituted all the twenty eight medical practitioners working at the five selected clinics as well as all the peer professionals who listen to the expectant mothers’ complaints. The study conducted a census for the medical practitioners and used convenience sampling for the expectant mothers and peer professionals. The sample size was 38 respondents. The study used a questionnaire, focus group discussion and a key informant interview guide as research instruments to obtain primary data. The questionnaires were self-administered with the help of two research assistants while the researcher conducted the focus group discussion with the expectant mothers and the key informant interview with the two peer professionals. The researcher analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data.Results:The medical practitioners indicated that expectant mothers uphold cultural customs, cultural practices, cultural beliefs and cultural agreement values.The expectant mothers indicated that they observe various cultural norms .Results also revealed that the existence of cultural norms affect the intercultural communication of health information among expectant mothers. However, some of the expectant mothers take up advice that goes against their cultural beliefs and norms. They take up advice on various issues such as vaccination, giving birth in clinics, taking of drugs, going to prenatal clinics, family planning and undergoing caesarean during birth.Policy recommendation: The Ministry of Health should take the initiative to educate the residents of Kibera slum on the importance of attending antenatal and prenatal clinics. The MOH should also lead campaigns that condemn outdated cultural customs which subject expectant mothers to adverse risks even to the point of losing their lives. This can be done through the local media