Hausa families and health care choices: Birth injuries in African communities.

Abstract

In the Islamic faith childbearing is believed to be a religious duty. All Muslims in Nigerian society are therefore expected to marry and bear children; there is simply no place for unmarried women of childbearing age. Birth control is rarely used so pregnancy occurs early and frequently in a young brides life. Often however an history of repeated infections and poor childhood nutrition as well as physical immaturity leave these young women with bodies which are unprepared for delivery. Cephalopelvic disproportion a precondition for obstructed labor is common. Vesicovaginal fistula a tear between the bladder and vagina is a common result of prolonged obstructed labor experienced by many young women in northern Nigeria. The status of Hausa women is lower than that of women in other parts of Nigeria. Their circumstances reflect the overlap between the Islamic religion and the indigenous Hausa culture. It has been said that early marriage is expected high fertility is respected submission to male dominance is demanded and polygamy and female seclusion are the norm. The authors interviewed members of more than 400 households in Kaduna State Nigeria about household decision-making and health care choices particularly those related to childbirth. Survey results showed that while male heads of households still make most health care decisions male and female respondents were both in favor of using modern medical care. Health care education especially about the dangers of high-risk delivery at home should therefore be made the centerpiece of maternal health services.