Cultural Beliefs Research Articles

Insufficient Awareness Regarding Anemia Prevention during Pregnancy among Expectant Women in Uganda

Anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Uganda, affecting 30-50% of expectant mothers, with detrimental consequences for both maternal and fetal health. This condition, characterized by low hemoglobin levels, increases the risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. Despite its prevalence, there is insufficient awareness regarding anemia prevention among pregnant women in Uganda. Contributing factors include poor nutrition, chronic infections, lack of access to healthcare, and cultural beliefs that hinder dietary practices. This review explores the types, causes, and consequences of anemia during pregnancy, as well as existing prevention strategies, such as iron and folic acid supplementation, malaria prevention, and community health initiatives. It also highlights the barriers to awareness, including educational, socioeconomic, and healthcare access challenges, and offers recommendations for improving awareness, prevention, and healthcare access. Strengthening education campaigns, leveraging community health workers, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure are vital for reducing the burden of anemia in pregnancy and improving maternal and child health outcomes. Keywords: Anemia, pregnancy, Uganda, iron deficiency, maternal health, prevention strategies, public health.

African Mother Scholar

African Mother Scholar is a poem born out of my disillusionment with life, love, and womanhood. As an African woman, immigrant, mother, and scholar, I am forced to come to terms with conflicting identities, a colonial past, and present patriarchal structures. In search of both who I am and who I want to become, I find myself questioning long held cultural beliefs on my role as a wife and mother and how these beliefs align with my desire for intellectual growth. It is in this state of ontological flux that I find a newfound sense of freedom, power, and control. My search for knowledge–for truth, healing, and identity–both unravels and remakes me. In these halls of knowledge, I experience never ending conversations, community, and laughter, as if returning from a distant homeland. I find myself dreaming of the impossible. I am finally the author of my own story.

Collecting and reporting adverse events in low-income settings—perspectives from vaccine trials in the Gambia

BackgroundDespite Africa’s significant infectious disease burden, it is underrepresented in global vaccine clinical trials. While this trend is slowly reversing, it is important to recognize and mitigate the challenges that arise when conducting vaccine clinical trials in this environment. These challenges stem from a variety of factors peculiar to the population and may negatively impact adverse event collection and reporting if not properly addressed.MethodsAs a team of clinical researchers working within the MRCG (Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia), we have conducted 12 phase 1 to 3 vaccine trials over the past 10 years. In this article, we discuss the challenges we face and the strategies we have developed to improve the collection and reporting of adverse events in low-income settings.Outcome.Healthcare-seeking behaviors in the Gambia are influenced by spiritual and cultural beliefs as well as barriers to accessing orthodox healthcare; participants in trials may resort to non-orthodox care, reducing the accuracy of reported adverse events. To address this, trial eligibility criteria prohibit self-treatment and herbal product use during trials. Instead, round-the-clock care is provided to trial participants, facilitating safety follow-up.Constraints in the healthcare system in the Gambia such as limitations in diagnostic tools limit the specificity of diagnosis when reporting adverse events. To overcome these challenges, the Medical Research Council Unit maintains a Clinical Services Department, offering medical care and diagnostic services to study participants.Sociocultural factors, including low literacy rates and social influences, impact adverse event collection. Solicited adverse events are collected during home visits on paper-based or electronic report forms.Community engagement meetings are held before each study starts to inform community stakeholders about the study and answer any questions they may have. These meetings ensure that influential members of the community understand the purpose of the study and the risks and benefits of participating in the trial. This understanding makes them more likely to support participation within their communities.ConclusionConducting ethical vaccine clinical trials in resource-limited settings requires strategies to accurately collect and report adverse events. Our experiences from the Gambia offer insights into adverse event collection in these settings.

Knowledge and Awareness About Breastfeeding Among Postnatal Mothers in a Private Medical College

Background: Breastfeeding is essential in any infant’s nutrition and growth. There are various misconceptions and cultural beliefs regarding breastfeeding which can hinder breastfeeding and its continuation by the mothers. Objective: To describe the current level of knowledge and awareness about breastfeeding among postnatal mothers in private medical college. Methods: A Clinic based cross-sectional review was completed in the post-pregnancy ward of Obstetric division of the Saveetha clinical school and medical clinic between June 2021 toAugust 2021. Information were gathered through interview utilizing a semi-organized poll. Datawere went into Microsoft succeed and engaging examination was finished. Results: A very small percentage of postpartum mothers are aware of the significance of avoiding prelacteal feeding, early breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, burping, and breastfeeding on demand. However, more than half of postpartum mothers are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding, the benefits of colostrum, and the bonding benefits of breastfeeding. Additionally, they are informed about whether mothers with HIV or tuberculosis can breastfeed.

Analisis Dampak Wisata Religi Terhadap Peningkatan Ekonomi Street Vendors di Kawasan Masjid Agung Al-Anwar Kota Pasuruan

Religious tourism encompasses travel experiences connected to faith, history, culture, traditions, and local beliefs, supporting existing Islamic values and culture. This study aims to delve into the potential and impact of religious tourism on the economic upliftment of street vendors around the Al-Anwar Grand Mosque in Pasuruan City. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, the research gathered primary and secondary data through surveys, interviews, and observations conducted at the Al-Anwar Grand Mosque in Kebonsari, Panggungrejo District, Pasuruan City. The findings reveal that religious tourism plays a significant role in boosting income and creating employment opportunities for street vendors near the mosque. Available facilities and services like parking areas, green spaces, information centers, and social activities further support the economic activities of these vendors. Positive impacts are also experienced by visitors and the local government, including increased shopping options, higher tax revenue, and infrastructure development. This research provides a deeper understanding of the contribution of religious tourism to the local economy and the importance of empowering street vendors in the development of tourism in Pasuruan City.

A qualitative study of research participation for parents from minority ethnic groups in the UK

Background/Aims Under-representation of pregnant women, their partners and parents from minority ethnic backgrounds has been reported in research involving the perinatal period. This study's aim was to explore the experiences of parents from minority ethnic groups who participated in research during the perinatal period, focusing on barriers and facilitators to participation. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams by all three researchers with a purposive sample of 16 parents. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Seven overarching themes were identified: motivating factors; unique contributions; language, understanding and access; cultural values, beliefs and practices; lack of time and other commitments; facilitators for participation; and experience of the current study. Conclusions Understanding motivation for participation is essential to developing recruitment strategies that promote involvement of parents from minority ethnic backgrounds. A clear understanding of research goals and perceived benefits, and maximising access to studies, is likely to result in improved recruitment. Implications for practice Ways to encourage research participation from parents in minority ethnic groups include using a range of advertising techniques and venues, offering a choice of time and place for activities and alternative methods of data collection, and disseminating information on available studies in early pregnancy.

Perspectives of Nursing Mothers in Ibadan Markets Regarding Management of Childhood Diarrhoea: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day or more frequently than a normal individual should have. It can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), varying from mild to severe. Aim: The study aimed to explore the perspectives of nursing mothers in Ibadan North East local government markets regarding childhood diarrhoea management. Method: A qualitative study was conducted among mothers of children between 0-59 months at Ibadan, precisely Ibadan Northeast Local Government. The study was conducted in selected Ibadan North East Local Government markets. The selection of these markets for the study was based on their high population of women with children and the moderate commercial activities. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 29 nursing mothers who were interviewed until data saturation was reached. Data was analysed using the QSR NVIVO 12 software program. Verbatim transcription was conducted while listening to the recording. The thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. Results: This study revealed that a significant diarrhoea management pattern is using herbal mixtures and several concoctions. The primary determinant factor for this management is the strong cultural belief of the Yoruba in this herbal mixture, and Yorubas were the most populous in this research setting. Subthemes that emerged include management options and the mother's level of knowledge, traditional management of different types of childhood diarrhoea and actions taken during managing childhood diarrhoea. Conclusion: This study shows that the majority of nursing mothers in Ibadan markets have a wrong perspective of childhood diarrhoea management, and this could be linked to their age, culture, education, and financial capability. Hence there need for further research on Intervention studies to identify bad behavioral practices performed by those Nursing motherand in the market and to render proper health Education on those practices.

Urhobo Indigenous Environmental Taboos and the Imperative of Fostering Ecosystemic Justice

The fact that there is a global environmental crisis is not in doubt. But there are divergent opinions and positions on how to resolve the global environmental crisis. The crisis has necessitated searching for resources from every source including indigenous sources for ideas and concepts that can help in resolving the crisis. Indigenous sources include the Urhobo cultural beliefs and practices. This paper argues that Urhobo indigenous beliefs and practices concerning nature or environmental-based taboos can help in promoting justice for the ecosystems or eco-justice or ecosystemic justice. The paper then examines some Urhobo environmental taboos and argues for their conservation. Critical analytic and hermeneutic methods are used to present the arguments in this research. The paper finds that indigenous environmental taboos are endangered in Urhoboland as a result of extreme Christian missionary aggressiveness, capitalist market forces, ignorance, etc. It concludes that it is imperative to conserve environmental taboos and thus promote ecosystemic justice

Organ Donation through the Eyes of Jordanian Medical Students

Background: Organ donation is a critical component in the field of transplantation medicine, offering lifesaving opportunities for patients with end-stage organ failure. This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey regarding organ donation among medical students in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students across six Jordanian universities. Using a convenience sampling method, participants were invited via email, social media, and professional networks to complete a structured online questionnaire. The survey captured data on demographics, knowledge about organ donation processes, attitudes toward organ donation, and self-reported practices. Statistical analyses explored associations between students’ KAP and their demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 539 medical students participated in the study. Findings revealed moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward organ donation, with significant variability influenced by demographic factors. Students from various universities demonstrated different levels of knowledge and attitudes. Notably, religious and cultural beliefs significantly affected students’ attitudes toward organ donation. Conclusions: The study highlighted a gap between the positive attitudes and the actual commitment to organ donation among the participants, revealing a need for targeted educational interventions to address misconceptions and enhance the willingness to donate organs. Promoting organ donation education within medical schools could foster a more supportive environment for organ donation, ultimately contributing to increased donor rates and improved transplantation outcomes in Jordan.

Breast Health Perceptions and Screening Behaviors Among Myanmar American Immigrant Women.

To understand and describe attitudes toward general health checkups, breast health knowledge, cultural beliefs, and health-promoting behaviors among Myanmar American immigrant women in the United States. 267 women participated in the study. 10 women were excluded because of missing data, so the total sample size was 257 participants. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used to describe and investigate breast health perceptions and behaviors. Nearly 75% of the study sample reported having negative attitudes toward general health checkups and were found to have less accurate breast health knowledge and more fatalistic views about breast cancer. Only 29% of older women adhered to mammogram recommendations. Younger women reported more barriers to mammograms, and older women reported fewer barriers to mammograms. This study demonstrated the need for additional research focusing on unique perspectives when investigating breast health practices among Myanmar American immigrant women. The findings highlight the essential need to build a strong partnership with stakeholders to combat breast health disparities and address the complex nature of acculturation.

Evaluation of the integration of palliative care in a fragile setting amongst host and refugee communities: Using consecutive rapid participatory appraisals

Background: Palliative care is seldom integrated in healthcare in fragile, conflict affected and vulnerable settings with significant refugee populations. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the integration of palliative care into a fragile, conflict affected and vulnerable community in Northern Uganda. Design: Consecutive Rapid Participatory Appraisals were conducted to evaluate the integration of palliative care in Adjumani District. The first established a baseline and the second, 4 years later, evaluated progress. Data collection included documentary review, key informant interviews and direct observation. Setting/participants: A rural district in Uganda with equal numbers of refugees and host populations living side-by-side. 104 key informants were interviewed, and practice observed in 11 health facilities. Results: At baseline, palliative care was not routinely integrated in the health system. Barriers included health system challenges, cultural beliefs, understanding and trust, mental health issues, gaps in palliative care provision, the role of the community and beliefs about illness impacted care with the village health teams being a trusted part of the health system. Following integration activities including training, mentorship and community sensitisation, the repeat rapid appraisal after 4 years showed a significant increase in palliative care delivery. New themes identified included increased provision of palliative care, the impact of training and community engagement and ownership of palliative care. Conclusion: Community engagement and participation, training interventions and referral pathways enabled the integration of palliative care. Rapid Participatory Appraisal provides a useful framework to evaluate activities aimed at integration of palliative care in a community.

Knowledge and Willingness Toward Organ Donation Among DPT Students at Isra University (Hyderabad)

Organ donation (OD) is a complex issue involving social, legal, ethical, and medical aspects. The need for organ transplants has increased due to a rise in disorders linked to poor lifestyle choices; however, awareness and knowledge of organ donation remain extremely low, particularly among medical students. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and willingness toward organ donation among Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) students at Isra University in Hyderabad. A cross sectional study was conducted from July to September 2024, using a validated questionnaire and a sample of 100 DPT students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Findings revealed that 79% of DPT students were aware of organ donation. Only 12% recognized eyes and 34% identified kidneys for donation. Awareness of Pakistan's organ donation laws was noted in just 54%. Misconceptions were prevalent, with 51% believing that only living individuals could donate. While 38% expressed willingness to donate after death, only 16% would consent to the donation of a deceased family member's organs. The study concluded that significant gaps in knowledge and willingness exist among DPT students, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and awareness campaigns tailored to cultural and religious beliefs.

Contextual Representation of Mourning Rituals: A Case Study of Rural Punjab (Pakistan)

This study is conducted to explore the mourning rituals performed in the rural area of Punjab Pakistan. Specifically, the research focusses on the dynamics between culture and death rituals signified through different religio-cultural practices. The qualitative methods are used employing ethnographic research design. To analyze the data, the thematic analysis technique is used. The study found that the people in rural areas of Punjab perform different rituals on death to show their emotions and intensity of grief. The results show that people in this area practice rituals following their religious and cultural beliefs to please the soul of the deceased as well as to show their reaction towards grief. The findings of this study reveal that wailing, crying, cutting one's body and burning the stick of sage are a few of the mourning rituals that are commonly prevalent in rural Punjab to express grief. Moreover, different folklores are also sung to dialogue the departed soul with other community members and God, which is a great source of attention seeking for showing massive grief. Nature of death and economic disparity is also played a major role while expressing the grief. Generally, the bereaved families use such rituals to get an escape from the grief. To sum up the study found that the death rituals to express and share individuals’ grief are decline in the culture of rural Punjab.

Violence and Abuse Towards Grandparent Kinship Carers in Informal Kinship Care Context

Violence and abuse by grandchildren towards their grandparent kinship carers is an important but under-researched issue. Research evidence on the perceived legitimacy of aged-related myths, beliefs, and witchcraft accusations against older people, especially grandparents, in Ghana and Africa suggest that violence and abuse against grandparent kinship carers could be common. This study explored the types of violence or abuse experienced by grandparent kinship carers, and the meanings grandparents associate with the abuse. Thirty-one grandparents were recruited from four communities in Ghana following a horizontal network sampling approach and interviewed using a qualitative in-depth narrative storytelling strategy. Analysis of the narratives revealed three common types of abuse experienced by the grandparent kinship carers which were perpetrated by children living under their care: (1) insults and verbal abuse, (2) stealing and financial exploitation, and (3) physical threats. However, the grandparents rationalised and justified the abusive behaviours by attributing them to factors within the children’s eco-system, such as friends and household members. The findings highlighted three crucial interrelated factors that underlie these incidents of violence including cultural beliefs around witchcraft, family structural dynamics, and grandparents’ attitudes towards violence. Practical recommendations, including the development of a community normative change program, have been proposed to address violence by grandchildren towards grandparent kinship carers in Ghana.

Ethics on academic procurement of cadavers.

Anatomy is a vital discipline in the realm of Medicine, and its primary means of study is through the use of cadavers. Experts in the medical, legal, and ethical domains have discussed the use of cadavers or their anatomical parts for educational purposes, which are considered a severe drawback. The advantages of using cadavers include their contribution to medical education, research, the investigation of innovative surgical procedures or techniques, the detection of anatomical differences at an individual or population level, the enhancement of surgical skills, and the support of other anatomical investigations. This review highlights the issues like consent, respect for the deceased and cultural beliefs on cadaver procurement practices and also it emphasizes the need for better body donation initiatives and public awareness campaigns to ensure sustainable cadaver procurement practices, ensuring consent, respect for the deceased and cultural beliefs.

Exploring Breastfeeding Practices and Influencing Factors Among the KOL Tribe in Uttar Pradesh: A Mixed-Methods Study

Introduction: Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health, yet challenges persist in promoting early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, particularly among marginalized communities like the KOL tribe in Uttar Pradesh. This study aimed to understand breastfeeding practices among the KOL tribe and identify factors influencing these practices. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving quantitative data collection through pre-designed questionnaires and qualitative in-depth interviews with KOL tribe mothers. Sampling included random selection, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS for quantitative data and QDA minor lite software for qualitative data. Results: Socioeconomic challenges were prevalent among the KOL tribe, with most women being illiterate and engaged in manual labour. Breastfeeding practices varied, including delayed initiation, reliance on cow/goat milk, and misconceptions about colostrum Health care utilization was limited, with home deliveries common due to family incompliance. Despite challenges, community support for breastfeeding was reported, and mothers felt comfortable breastfeeding in public. Conclusion: The study underscores the influence of socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and limited awareness on breastfeeding practices among the KOL tribe. Targeted interventions focusing on education, community engagement, and improving healthcare access are crucial for promoting optimal breastfeeding practices and improving infant health outcomes in marginalized communities.

LOTUS BIRTH: HOLISTIC PRACTICE

Lotus birthis leaving the umbilical cord uncut after childbirth to the placenta until it dries and falls off by itself. The practice has been observed in many countries, including the US, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Turkey.Enhanced Blood & nourishment, reduce injury & infection, faster healing and emotional well being are benefits of lotus birth. The decision to opt for a lotus birth is personal and should be made with consideration of the available evidence, cultural beliefs, and medical advice.

Epitaph in English: A sociolinguistic Analysis

The study examines the use of language in epitaphs from a sociolinguistic perspective. The current study aims to analyze the syntactic and morphological aspects of epitaphs in English beside examining the use of euphemistic expressions. The study Identifies social factors like gender, age, and status that influence the writing of epitaphs and how the deceased's role in life is portrayed. Finally, the study aims to explore the cultural values and beliefs about death and the afterlife reflected in English epitaphs. This genre has received little attention in studies. In order to achieve the aims of the study, the researcher proposes some hypotheses which are: (i) There are significant differences in the syntactic and morphological structures of English epitaphs. (ii) The use of euphemistic expressions expresses differently in English epitaphs. (iii) The social status, age and gender of the deceased are reflected in English epitaphs. (iv) Culture and religion influence the content of English epitaphs. The study analyzes 13 English epitaphs using qualitative research design. The key findings indicate differences in morpho-syntactic structure, with no gender markers used in English epitaphs . implicit euphemisms is found in English epitaphs. Social factors like gender, age, and status are more frequently reflected in English epitaph. There are differences in the linguistic cues used for male versus female epitaphs. The study provides insights into how language reflects cultural and societal norms in funeral rituals.

An examination of the relationship between risk perceptions, cultural-religious beliefs and coping during COVID-19 pandemic control in South Asian countries: a systematic review

BackgroundCovid 19 was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to its rapid spread and catastrophic effects on health. It affected around 119 M people with mortality rate of 0.27% worldwide, including South-Asians. This review aims to understand the risk perceptions, cultural religious beliefs and the coping mechanisms of South Asians during the Covid 19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following search engines were used: Medline, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Included studies investigated perceptions and opinions of individuals on knowledge, risk and protective factors, native faith based practices, and attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThe database search produced 282 articles to screen. The final narrative synthesis included five studies comprising of 13,476 participants from Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Ten studies, comprising 7,893 participants, were eligible and included for meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence with maximum heterogeneity for correct knowledge of symptoms, hand washing or use of sanitizers, face masking use of herbal or traditional remedies and physical distancing or avoidance of contact was reported through meta-analysis.ConclusionThe review brings forth a useful comparison of individual and cultural differences in KAP, risk perceptions and coping strategies. This review highlights the need for and importance of tailored information dissemination, culturally sensitive risk communication, targeted educational interventions, community engagement and empowerment, policy, and infrastructure improvements, as well as continued research and data collection. By addressing these implications, efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 can be more effective and equitable across diverse populations.Prospero registrationCRD42021246475.

Examining Users’ Assessment of Indigenous Beliefs and Practices of Alternative Medicine in Nde Division, Cameroon

Despite the prevalence of conventional medical services, alternative medicine (AM) remains a vital component of healthcare-seeking choices in many communities across Africa The persistence of indigenous beliefs and practices in healthcare decisions among the population of Nde Division, Cameroon, despite the availability of conventional Western medicine, poses a complex challenge for healthcare providers seeking to deliver effective and culturally sensitive care. This study addresses the phenomenon by exploring the role of indigenous beliefs and practices in shaping healthcare choices, using a mixed-methods approach, which combines questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire findings reveal a significant reliance on alternative medicine, with 79.59% of participants who believe in the efficacy of Indigenous healing traditions and 80% from the semi-structured interviews, who use alternative medicine due to cultural and spiritual beliefs. The strong reliance on AM is also influenced by economic, social, cultural, and individual factors. Concerns around the safety and efficacy of AM highlight the need for more education, regulation, and integration with conventional healthcare, ultimately informing the development of culturally sensitive healthcare approaches.