Traditional uvulectomy; practice and belief among Sudanese children in Khartoum hospitals: A multi-center cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundTraditional healing practices are common in Sub-Saharan Africa. Traditional uvulectomy (TU) is the removal of the uvula with a sharp curved knife and is often practised in children under five years old. This practice is believed to have a therapeutic effect on children suffering from sore throat, vomiting or difficulty breastfeeding. ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the practice of traditional uvulectomy and Sudanese mothers’ perception of it. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in seven teaching hospitals across Khartoum State. We interviewed 385 mothers of children who presented to pediatric units using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study period spanned from July 2022–February 2023. ResultsA total of 385 mothers of children under five participated in this study. 33 % of mothers believed in the practice of traditional uvulectomy, yet only 17.9 % of children under five years had undergone TU. Reasons for performing TU included persistent cough (36.9 %), vomiting (33 %), difficulty in breastfeeding (22.6 %) and TU being a family tradition (25.7 %). Factors significantly associated with these practices were the mother's age, her level of education and the family's regional origin. Mothers reported that no major complications to the children were perceived as a result of the TU procedure. ConclusionThe practice of TU is prevalent among children who present to hospitals seeking medical advice. More than one-third of mothers had misconceptions regarding the uvula. Health education campaigns targeting females of childbearing age, and health practitioners at primary health centres and hospitals must raise awareness related to this practice.