Social-cultural practices and beliefs influencing maternal mortality

Abstract

This study aimed to explore how sociocultural practices and beliefs may influence maternal mortality in Nigeria by examining the cultural practices and popular traditional beliefs of the Ibibio and Annang ethnic groups of Akwa Ibom state. The research used semi-structured and unstructured in-depth face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) for data collection. Two sites in Akwa lbom state of Nigeria—Etinan and Oruk Anam—were selected for the study. Thirty women of childbearing age and 10 men were interviewed. Four focus group discussions were held with 5 mothers-in-law, 5 menopausal women and 10 midwives. Thirty five observation sessions were conducted with seven traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. The computer software programme NVivo 8 was used to support management of data. The findings are presented in two themes: Childbearing as an inevitable burden or destiny and pregnancy, mystery, and superstition and the role of TBA. The supernatural belief system and religious prophecies served to potentially delay referral of childbearing women with complications to health care facilities placing women's lives at risk. It was therefore recommended that TBAs need to receive better training to make timely referrals to hospitals. Furthermore, they should be encouraged to develop better working relationships with midwives.