Harmful Traditional Practices Research Articles

Traditional beliefs and practices during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum among childbearing women in Oyi local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Cultural beliefs and practices are among the factors that determine the peculiarities of peoples’ way of life. This study focused on traditional beliefs and practices during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum among childbearing women in Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine the healthy and harmful traditional beliefs among childbearing women, determine reasons why childbearing women indulge in harmful practices, determine the association of demographic characteristics of the childbearing women in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State with their indulgence in harmful traditional practices during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Descriptive cross-sectional research design was utilized for the study; a sample of 400 respondents was selected through multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire on traditional beliefs and practices during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Data collected were analysed using frequencies, percentages, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman-rank order correlation. The results showed that 93.3% of the respondents believed that childbearing women should eat well to produce enough breast milk. 38.5% of the women indicated their beliefs in avoiding eating meat of ugly animals. 43.75% of the respondents had the belief that pregnant women should not look at ugly animals, 64% of the respondents indicated that it is an acceptable reason for pregnant women to eat a special type of clay because it contains minerals that strengthen the bones of the baby , 40% indicated that applying palm kernel oil to the umbilical stump hasten healing of the stump. There was significant association between indulgence in harmful traditional practices and marital status of the childbearing women: k= 13.01, p=˂0.01. Also, Age was significantly related to their indulgence in harmful traditional practices: Rho= -0.11, p =0.03. Healthcare providers should be sensitive to their clients ’cultures when developing plan of care and should organize educational campaigns to help change harmful cultural beliefs and practices.

Traditional Practices in Relation to Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postpartum Period, and Newborns in Turkey From an Interregional Perspective

AIMThe aim of this study was to identify the level of knowledge of students on traditional practices related to pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and the newborn in Turkey and present the geographical regions of Turkey where traditional practices are more common.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was performed with the participation of 375 students enrolled at the Midwifery and Nursing Departments of the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university in the Marmara Region located in northwestern Turkey. The data were collected through a Personal Information Form and a Traditional Beliefs and Practices Form created by the researchers. Means, standard deviations, minimum and maximum values, frequencies, and percentages were utilized in the statistical analyses.RESULTSThe mean age of the participants was 20.51 ± 2.44 years, 44.5% of them lived in the Marmara Region of Turkey, and most of their parents were primary school graduates. In this study, it was found that most students were not familiar with traditional practices in relation to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and newborns in Turkey. It was also ascertained that the beliefs held by the students about pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and newborns differed across regions. It was found that most students did not know the harmful traditional practices performed for making childbirth easier. Most students were knowledgeable about harmful traditional practices about postpartum. Some of the harmful traditional practices applied to the newborn were determined to be unknown to the students.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, in this study, it was identified that most students were not familiar with traditional practices related to pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and newborns in Turkey. Before student midwives and nurses have started their careers, they should be informed about traditional beliefs and practices of the society in which they live, and they should be capable of making holistic and comprehensive evaluations. Because of this study, it is recommended that traditional beliefs and practices be included in the curricula of midwifery and nursing schools with particular emphasis on the geographical regions of Turkey.

Prevalence of harmful traditional practices during pregnancy and associated factors in Southwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of harmful traditional practices during pregnancy and associated factors in Southwest Ethiopia.DesignA community-based cross-sectional study.SettingSouthwest Ethiopia.Participants667 women who were pregnant at the time of the study...

PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE & NEGLECT IN PAKISTAN: INTERPRETIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS IN ADOLESCENTS

In recent years Pakistan amassed several reported cases related to child abuse and neglect. Abuse and Neglect are universal phenomena its roots are lying in historical perceptions where children were considered an object of mistreatment for customs and considered possessions by caregivers and other stakeholders. Abuse and neglect against adolescents exist in every culture and its forms are shaping and emerging based on the practices and systems of the culture. The purpose of the current study was to explore the form of abuse & neglect existing in culture among adolescents. To examine the forms of abuse and neglect that exists in Pakistani culture and to summate the experiences of the adolescent’s Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to interpret and conceptualize themes. This study explored adolescents experiencing sexual abuse: sexual exploitation, blackmailing, Incest perpetrators, and physical abuse: Harsh discipline practices, dominance & control, and harmful traditional practices prevailing in Pakistani culture. Further to address the issue it is a spirited requisite to improve the management of the abused and neglected victims and a dire need to prevent long-term mental health consequences along with addressing to strengthen positive parenting practices, referral systems, and child protection policies in Pakistan. Keywords: Neglect, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Adolescents, Mental Health.

Does local resistance impact the transnational normative environment? The case of female genital mutilation (FGM)

More than 200 million girls and women today are estimated to have gone through female genital mutilation (FGM). In this study, I make a novel contribution to the global literature on FGM by examining domestic resistance to the anti-FGM norm in the context of norm diffusion processes. I provide a novel theoretical perspective to the study of FGM by introducing a compromise-building approach. According to this approach, strong local resistance to a transnational norm that obligates the removal of harmful traditional practices might motivate some transnational norm advocates to support a compromise solution to minimize harm, leading to normative contestation in the transnational domain. This approach is illustrated by the rise of advocacy for medicalized and minor forms of FGM as a harm reduction strategy as a result of the continuation of traditional forms of FGM. The compromise-building approach also brings a new theoretical perspective to the literature on norm diffusion.

Building resilience in sexually abused children in Kisii county: social workers’ perspective

Child Sexual abuse (CSA) is both a social and public health concern worldwide. It is often associated with a number of deleterious psychological and behavioural outcomes for survivors. A mutual misapprehension about CSA is that it is a rare act perpetrated against girls by male strangers. In spite of a surfeit of research on CSA, little is known on the resilience process among the children survivors. In the recent past in Kenya, sexual abuse has been noted in schools most of which the perpetrators go scot-free. It occurs at all levels of society and affects not only girls but also boys in all levels of the society. The purpose of this study therefore was to explore the resilience process among the sexually abused children who form part of the vulnerable groups in Kisii County. The study utilized descriptive survey design. The sample size was 100 pupils, 100 parents,10 Key Informants and 10 practicing Social workers. The findings of the study reveal that in order to curb child sexual abuse, the risk factors such as poverty, parental negligence and harmful traditional cultural practices should be addressed. The Social workers also need to take up their roles in the prevention, restoration and resource provision to curb CSA. The study recommends on psycho-social therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, offender registration, community notification, and mandatory background check for teachers, residency restriction and sentence lengthening as a mitigation strategy to ending sexual violence against pupils.

Determinants of adolescents’ contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia: a systematic review of literature

IntroductionVarious studies have identified different factors that affect adolescent contraceptive uptake in different parts of Ethiopia. However, varying results were reported across primary studies and those results need to be systematically collated to inform policies. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize the findings of those primary studies to obtain more robust and representative evidence about adolescent contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia.MethodsFive databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct and CINAHL) were searched for papers published from January 2000 up to June 2021 in English. We limited our search to start on January 2000 as the health of adolescents have been given more attention after this period and to avoid time-lapsed biases. Seven studies were included in this systematic review. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for quality assessment of the selected studies.ResultsDeterminants of adolescent contraceptive utilization were focused on four levels: individual, socio-cultural, healthcare service and knowledge related factors. Individual-related factors that influence adolescents’ contraceptive uptake include; being in the age group of 10–15 years, not currently enrolled in school and being from low-income families, while socio-cultural factors include: lack of discussion with family members, arranged marriage, pressure from a partner, harmful traditional practices, discussion with peer groups and sexual partners. Healthcare service-related factors include; lack of information about contraceptives during health facility visits, lack of privacy during service provision and inconvenient service hours at health facilities, and not visiting health facilities, whereas, knowledge related factors include; having knowledge of contraceptive methods and being heard about contraceptives from media. Also, the proportion of adolescent contraceptive uptake ranged from 12 to 79%.ConclusionsIn this systematic, individual, socio-cultural, health-care-related, and knowledge-related characteristics have all been identified as influencing adolescents’ contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia. Hence, integrated interventions aimed at overcoming barriers to adolescent contraceptive uptake would be beneficial to improving adolescent contraceptive utilization in Ethiopia.

Determinants of potentially harmful traditional cord care practices among mothers in Ethiopia.

BackgroundGlobally, newborn deaths have declined from 5 million in 1990 to 2.4 million in 2019; however, the risk of death in the first 28 days is high. Harmful umbilical cord care contributes to neonatal infection, which accounts for millions of neonatal deaths. This study assessed determinants of potentially harmful traditional cord care practices in Ethiopia using data from a nationally representative survey.Materials and methodsSecondary data analyses were employed using data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. Weighted samples of 4,402 mothers who gave birth in the last 3 years prior to the survey were included in the analysis. Binary logistic regression was fitted to identify associations of outcome variables with explanatory variable analysis, and the results were presented with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI), declaring statistical significance at a p-value < 0.05 in all analyses.ResultsAbout 13.70% (95% CI: 12.7%, 14.7%) of mothers practice harmful traditional umbilical cord care. Maternal age (25–34 years, AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.31, 35–49 years, AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.19), maternal education (primary: AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.70 and secondary and above: AOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.94), parity (para two, AOR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.92), and place of delivery (home delivery, AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.51, 2.56) were factors associated with potentially harmful traditional umbilical cord care practices.ConclusionMaternal educational status, parity, maternal age, and place of delivery were associated with harmful traditional cord care practices. Thus, improving mothers’ education, strengthening antenatal and postnatal care (PNC), and utilization of institutional delivery would help to reduce harmful traditional cord care practices.

Bireysel emzirme eğitiminin emzirme davranışlarına ve geleneksel uygulamalara etkisi: Randomize kontrollü çalışma

Aim: This study aims to determine the effect of individual breastfeeding training on breastfeeding behaviors and traditional practices.Materials and Methods: The research was of randomized controlled design. The study was conducted at the family health centers in Kütahya, Turkey. A total of 304 mothers were recruited into the study, 152 in the intervention group and 152 in the control group. The Chi-Square Test, Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test and Multinomial logistic regression were performed. Results: After the training, the rates of the mothers whose breastfeeding duration and frequency were sufficient, who breastfed their babies in the correct position, who did not have any breastfeeding problems, and whose babies latched onto the breast correctly were significantly higher in the training group than were the rates of the mothers in the control group (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: The individual breastfeeding training had an implication in improving breastfeeding behaviors and reduced harmful traditional practices.

A descriptive qualitative study exploring the postpartum confinement experiences among first-time mothers from the three major ethnic groups in Singapore

ObjectiveModern Singaporean mothers still embrace traditional confinement practices after childbirth, which often marks a significant milestone in maternal experiences. However, limited studies have explored in-depth the collective confinement experiences of mothers in Singapore. This study hence aimed to explore the postpartum confinement experiences of first-time mothers from the three major ethnic groups in Singapore, namely Chinese, Malay, and Indian. DesignA descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Purposive sampling was adopted to recruit participants. Individual semi-structured face-to-face/telephone interviews were used to collect data, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting and participantsSixteen first-time mothers were recruited from two obstetric clinics in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. FindingsFive themes emerged: “Specific diets adopted and avoided for different purposes”, “Complexity of various traditional confinement practices (TCPs) adopted”, “Reasons for adopting TCPs”, “Reasons for modifying TCPs”, and “Postpartum challenges”. Key conclusionsOur study provided unique insights about Singapore's Chinese, Malay and Indian first-time mothers’ postpartum confinement experiences. While confinement practices were still observed, many mothers no longer subscribed to guidelines followed by previous generations and were modifying or forgoing practices they deemed impractical. Mothers faced challenges adapting to new motherhood and often felt restrained or stressed by confinement practices. Implications for practiceHealthcare professionals should take the lead to educate mothers and their families on harmful traditional confinement practices and their misconceptions. Future studies could explore alternative methods of postpartum check-up to improve first-time mothers’ confinement experiences, and focus specifically on lower-income families to explore their unique confinement experiences.

Prevalence of Milk Teeth Extraction and Enabling Community Factors Among Under Five-Year-Old Children in Alle Special Woreda, SNNPR, Ethiopia, 2022: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study; Based on Theory of Planned Behavior Model

BackgroundMilk tooth extraction (MTE) is one of the most common harmful traditional practices performed by traditional healers without anesthesia and unsterile materials. The acute and chronic complications of this practice greatly affect the health of children. In order to develop effective preventive measures towards this harmful practice, the extent of the problem and factors contributing to the practice should be verified. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of MTE among under five-years-old children in Alle special Woreda.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken at Alle Special Woreda among 363 women using a multi-stage stratified sampling method. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and data entry was done with Epi-data version 4.4.3.1, while data management and analysis were done with STATA version 14.0. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were used while model’s fitness was checked by Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared statistically significant in the final model.ResultMilk teeth extraction was practiced on 58.68% (95% CI:0.5,0.6) of children. Age of the child less than 12 months, AOR:1.27 (95% CI:1.02,1.6), maternal occupation (housewife) AOR:1.3 (95% CI:1.04,65), paternaleducational, level (illiterate) AOR:1.4 (95% CI:1.2,1.9), residence (rural) AOR:3.6 (95% CI:1.08,12.4), positive attitude AOR:1.65 (95% CI:1.01,2.8) and intentions AOR: 1.82 (95% CI:1.1,3.3) towards MTE practice showed statistically significant association with MTE practice.Conclusions and RecommendationsIt was found that milk teeth extraction practice was the most common practice in the study area, with a prevalence of 58.68%. Age of the child, maternal occupation, paternal educational level, residence, having a positive attitude and intentions toward MTE practice all had a statistically significant (P value less than 0.05) association with MTE practice. Society’s barriers, such as knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related, health facility related, and peer and social pressure-related factors, were identified. All stakeholders should put great emphasis on the elimination of this harmful practice.

Kayan mata: A silent and emerging form of female genital mutilation in Nigeria

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Dear Editor,&#x0D; Female genital mutilation involves any procedure of totally or partially removing external female genitalia or any form of injury directed to female genital organs for non-therapeutic purposes [1]. WHO [2] recognized four types of FGM in Nigeria: Type I or Clitoridectomy, which involves removing part of the clitoris. Type II or Sunna involves total removal of clitoris together with partial or total excision of labia minora. Type III or infibulation involves narrowing of the vaginal canal. Type IV involves any harmful unclassified procedure to female genital organs such as Gishiri (vaginal orifice scraping) cuts, Angurya cut (Vaginal wall cutting) or introduction of any harmful substance or herbs into the vagina [2-4].&#x0D; FGM is a practice mainly in the southern part of the country than the northern part [3]. Paradoxically, the less severe form of FGM (type I and II) is practiced in the South, with the severe forms in the North [3]. Some of the reasons for FGM include increasing the sexual pleasure of the husband, enhancing fertility and increasing matrimonial opportunities for a woman who underwent the cut [3].&#x0D; Durosinlorun [5] defined Kayan Mata as an appetizer or sweetener that is a concoction prepared to make a woman okay. Kayan Mata is a Hausa word coming from Kaya, meaning property, things or stuff and Mata meaning women. Therefore, it literally means the women properties or women things or women stuff. Kayan Mata is a group of traditional medicines used by women in different forms as sexual pleasure, enhancers, or aphrodisiacs in northern Nigeria. However, it has now spread to some southern parts of the country. Aphrodisiacs are any food, drink, drug, scent, or device that increases sexual performance [6]. Several cultures used various substances for such purposes.&#x0D; Though most users are northern women who are predominantly Muslims and Islam is against the harmful act [5]. There are different routes of administration, but the main ones are the oral and virginal routes. The oral route type taken through the mouth is primarily in liquid form. The oral Kayan Mata includes Aya (Tiger nut), Dabino (dates), onions, watermelon, and moringa seeds. As stated, Kayan Mata can be harmful or beneficial [6]. The oral Kayan Mata can be termed beneficial because its ingredients are fruits [5]. Fruits like watermelon contain citrulline that has an effect on sexual drive.&#x0D; The virginal route of administration includes the introduction of substances into the vagina. As opposed to the oral route, the substance may be liquid or gas [5]. In the administration of the gaseous substance,&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; a woman is asked to burn certain herbs and allow the smoke to enter her vagina. However, some liquid substances are inserted into the vagina while some are introduced through a Sitz bath. Each substance belongs to a certain category based on its purpose of use. For instance, Dan Matsi (Tightness), the first category of Kayan Mata, is thought to increase the tightness of the vagina almost equal to a virgin. Dan Matsi is usually used after delivery or by aged women [5]. The second category, called Karya Gado (Break a bed), is used to increase sexual pleasure to a partner [5].&#x0D; Before a woman is taken to her matrimonial home, she will be taken to “Wajen Gyaran Jiki”, a place for preparing her body and paid for by the husband. At Wajen Gyaran Jiki, the preparation includes skincare, but the Kayan Mata are also included.This practice's complications and adverse effects include vaginal itching, vaginal discharge due to infection, burning sensation, and excessive bleeding after delivery [5]. In addition, the efficacy of these substances is not well established, but the users claimed to be efficacious based on anecdotal evidence [5].&#x0D; Therefore, the vaginal form can be termed as harmful traditional practices and based on the above reasons and the WHO criteria, the vaginal form of these can be grouped as type IV FGM.&#x0D; There are only a few studies on Kayan Mata despite its usage among northern Nigerian women. Therefore, studies should also be conducted on this Kayan Mata. In addition, the efficacy, the harmful effects of this practice should be studied using a prospective study as none has been reported earlier, and more studies will help collect data for advocacy to abolish this type of FGM.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Predictors of uncircumcised primary school girls' intention to genital cutting in South Ethiopia: Application of theory of planned behavior.

BackgroundFemale genital cutting (FGC) is still among the most common harmful traditional practices, especially in Africa and Asia. Despite the existence of rich evidence on the prevalence of FGC, information about the primary target audiences’ (girls’) intention toward FGC is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the predictors of primary school girls’ behavioral intention toward female genital cutting.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 08 to 28, 2019 in Dunna district, South Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 354 uncircumcised female students. A self-administered pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were entered into Epi data manager version 4.0.2 and exported to STATA version 16.0. Descriptive analyses such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were performed as necessary. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of primary school girls’ intention to experience FGC.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 13.09±1.69 years with an age range of 10 to 18 years. Of the 354 respondents, 156 (44.1%) intended to experience FGC. The model accounted for 76.58% of the variance in primary school girls’ intention to experience FGC. Among socio-demographic characteristics, mothers’ educational level of ≤8 grade (β = 1.95, p<0.001) and the age of the respondents (β = -0.23, p = 0.036) predicted primary school girls’ intention toward FGC. Among the constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), direct perceived behavioral control (β = 0.47, p = 0.015), indirect perceived behavioral controls (β = 0.05, p = 0.002), and direct subjective norms (β = 0.18, p = 0.039) predicted primary school girls’ intention to experience FGC.ConclusionsIn this study, we found that primary school girls’ intention toward FGC was high. The educational level of mothers and the age of the respondents had a great influence on primary school girls’ intention to experience FGC. Perceived lack of power and social pressure also predicted primary school girls’ intention to engage in genital cutting. The findings suggest that FGC is mainly performed by the decision of the parents irrespective of the girls’ preferences. Therefore, behavioral change communication interventions such as media campaigns, peer education and community dialogue guided by the TPB for empowering girls to confront FGC and reducing the influence of referents need to be focused.

The Twilight of Cutting: African Activism and Life after NGOs by Saida Hodžić

Reviewed by: The Twilight of Cutting: African Activism and Life after NGOs by Saida Hodžić Miriam Hird-Younger Saida Hodžić, The Twilight of Cutting: African Activism and Life after NGOs. Oakland: University of California Press, 2016. 416 pp. Those reading The Twilight of Cutting seeking a delineated or straightforward overview of the meaning of cutting or Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), its prevalence, and the rates of its decline in Ghana will be disappointed. Instead, what this detailed text offers is an intricate "ethnography of problematization," in which the purpose is to "examine how cutting becomes an object of intervention" (8). This ethnography provides a historicization and exploration of how cutting has been made into an immutable problem requiring anti-cutting campaigns and sensitization programs in Ghana. Hodžić's appoach introduces the central paradox of such problematization—cutting is waning in Ghana even as international and national discourses articulate its intractability. In her investigation, Hodžić focuses on the perspectives and histories of Ghanaian-led Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work on anti-cutting. The rich ethnography and the skillful circumvention of the typical questions of prevalence and meaning relating to FGM provide the reader with an in-depth and nuanced understanding of how Ghanaian NGOs operate within global development discourses, social norms of relationality in Ghana, and their own ways of making sense of their efforts to regulate and to campaign for the end of cutting. Through ethnographic fieldwork with two NGOs in Accra and the Upper East Region of Ghana between 2002 and 2009, including research in rural communities of the Upper East, Hodžić "examines the genealogies of anti-cutting campaigns and the forms of rule, subjectivity, and positioning they instantiate" (9). The problematization of cutting has long historical [End Page 691] trails, Hodžić argues, as it has been bound up in efforts to govern the Northern regions of Ghana as well as modernization and development ideologies about the Ghanaian state. A central theme of the book is the continuity of moralizing projects from colonial to development interventions, which have constructed groups that practice cutting as "unruly and against whom [the state] defines itself as modern and governable" (15). The production of the "traditional" and "modern" binary is a mechanism of governing rural subjects, which Hodžić traces through the colonial period (Chapter 1) to global and national articulations of "harmful traditional practices" (Chapter 2) and to the ongoing surveillance of rural communities by articulating cutting as going "underground" (Chapter 3). The subsequent chapters subtly unpack and complicate such mechanisms of governance by demonstrating how NGOs work in their own ways beyond international discourses (Chapter 4), how waning practices of cutting can be understood through structural inequalities and scarcity (Chapter 5), and how the lifeworlds of NGO staff and activists are not wholly encompassed by governmental regulations and interventions (Chapters 6 and 7). The analysis begins in Chapter 1 with a history of how cutting has been made legible as a practice to be regulated and governed. In the 1920s, white British women in Parliament campaigned against cutting in British colonies, requesting administrators to report on the practice. Hodžić shows how male British colonial administrators took a more relativist perspective and prepared ethnographic accounts of the prevalence and practices of cutting, pushing back against legislation. Hodžić illustrates that these ethnographic accounts come back to the same questions on which anthropologists are still asked to comment: prevalence, age, meaning, geographic regions, etc. Arguing that colonial officials were interested in preserving "tradition" as a foundation for colonial rule, Hodžić's historical tracing offers a subtle critique of the limits of relativism. Northern Ghana was administered through indirect rule, which "remade the region as traditional" (77) in order to maintain a social order that served the British. While such colonial accounts were representations by and for British administrators and audiences, in the subsequent chapters, Hodžić focuses on the ways that Ghanaian NGOs have problematized, intervened in, and advocated against cutting, all while still being bound up in global discourses and meaning making. As the title of the chapter suggests, Chapter 2 outlines the attribution of poverty to "Harmful Traditional Practices" (the chapter title...

Prelacteal feeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children less than two years of age in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis

BackgroundPrelacteal feeding is the main obstacle for exclusive breastfeeding and the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The practice is one of a deep-rooted public health problem of Ethiopia that needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and independent predictors of prelacteal feeding practice in Ethiopia. MethodsThis study used data from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. A two-stage multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was conducted to identify individual and community-level predictors of prelacteal feeding practice of mothers. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value less than 5% and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were reported as statistically significant variables with prelacteal feeding practice. ResultThe prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice among mothers of children less than 2 years old in Ethiopia was 16.31% (95% CI: 14.7%, 17.9%). Women who had multiple births [AOR = 4.62; 95%CI: 1.63, 13.08], delivered through cesarean section [AOR = 2.66; 95%CI: 1.63, 4.33], initiated breastfeeding after 1 hour of delivery [AOR = 3.16; 95%CI: 2.25, 4.47] and mothers who were from pastoralist region [AOR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.22, 3.68] were more likely to practice prelacteal feeding than their counterparts. ConclusionThis study revealed that the prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice remained a great public health concern of the country. Type of birth, mode of delivery, initiation of breastfeeding and geographic region where the mothers reside were factors that were positively associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Therefore, behavior change communication need to be applied using a variety of communication channels to halt this harmful traditional practice. In addition, promotion of institutional delivery and early initiation of breastfeeding practice using the existing strategies need to be strengthened with special emphasis given to marginalized women in order to diminish the practice in Ethiopia.

The perceived effects of COVID-19 pandemic on female genital mutilation/cutting and child or forced marriages in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Senegal

BackgroundThe effects of COVID-19 on harmful traditional practices such Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and Child or Forced Marriages (CFM) have not been well documented. We examined respondents’ perceptions on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected FGM/C and CFM in Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, and Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design with a mixed methods approach was used. Data collection on participants’ perceptions on the effects of COVID-19 on FGM/C and CFM took place between October-December 2020. Household surveys targeting women and men aged 15–49 years in Kenya (n = 312), Uganda (n = 278), Ethiopia (n = 251), and Senegal (n = 208) were conducted. Thirty-eight key informant interviews with programme implementers and policymakers were carried out in Kenya (n = 17), Uganda (n = 9), Ethiopia (n = 8), and Senegal (n = 4).ResultsIn Kenya, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the increase in both FGM/C and CFM cases. Minimal increase of FGM/C cases was reported in Uganda and a significant increase in CFM cases. In Ethiopia, the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited perceived effect on changes in FGM/C and CFM. In Senegal, there were minimal perceived effects of COVID-19 on the number of FGM/C and CFM cases. The pandemic negatively affected implementation of interventions by the justice and legal system, the health system, and civil societies.ConclusionsThe pandemic has had varied perceived effects on FGM/C and CFM across the four countries. Generally, the pandemic has negatively affected implementation of interventions by the various sectors that are responsible for preventing and responding to FGM/C and CFM. This calls for innovative approaches in intervening in the various communities to ensure that women and girls at risk of FGM/C and CFM or in need of services are reached during the pandemic. Evidence on how effective alternative approaches such as the use of call centres, radio talk shows and the use of local champions as part of risk communication in preventing and responding to FGM/C and CFM amid COVID-19 is urgently required.

The Role of Women and Men in Land Use and Property Rights in Mt. Elgon Region

Gender mainstreaming is a strategy employed to end discrimination against a particular gender and promote equality between men and women using inclusive policies and laws. The Kenyan Government has made great progress in enacting laws aimed at achieving equal benefits and protection of the law in respect to property rights over land. Unfortunately, enforcement remains challenging. With a focus on land ownership and use in Mt. Elgon region, this article seeks to evaluate the impact of gender mainstreaming policies and legal structures, which have been established to help Kenyan women attain equal land rights. The region is an area in the Western part of Kenya near the border with Uganda. It provides an interesting look into land dispute resolution because, apart from being a resource-rich area, it has experienced significant violence related to land use between the years 2006 to 2008, from state and non-state actors. The study concludes that harmful traditional beliefs and cultural practices influence the role gender plays in the access women and men have to land use and property right. Keywords: patrimony, global political economy, gendered political economy, property rights, land rights, gender mainstreaming DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/119-08 Publication date: March 31 st 2022

Mothering Practices and Human Rights Abuses of Girls in Marginalized Contexts: Examining the Moral Culpability of Women who Abuse Children

The form of gender-based violence (GBV) analysed in this article relates to ‘harmful traditional practices’ (HTPs) detrimental to the health and well-being of girls. In response to calls to action from the international community, many states are enacting laws and regulations against HTPs. Scholars argue that criminal justice reform is a vital component of efforts to reduce HTPs. While this article supports establishing mechanisms to address violence against girls, I question whether criminalization is a suitable strategy. HTPs, although classified as GBV, have distinctive features. Their prevalence hinges on ideas surrounding ethnicity and/or religion in addition to the fact that women work directly and indirectly to sustain these violent practices. The developing contemporary understanding of HTPs within and without legal systems, to the degree that it focuses on perpetrators of abuse, ignores the role of women in the production and reproduction of HTPs. Criminalization of HTPs will have a disproportionate effect on mothers. This article seeks to question and understand the dilemma of determining the ‘moral culpability’ or responsibility of mothers who support and participate in violence against girls. Using postmodern feminism, I argue that a genuine commitment to protecting children requires an approach that accounts for the growing significance of culture, not only in defining action but also providing cultural components that play a role in the decisions of mothers.

Harmful traditional practices among market women in ojuwoye market mushin, South West, Nigeria.

Traditions are the long-established patterns of actions or behaviors, often handed down within a community over many generations. Harmful traditional practices (HTPs) are customs that are known to have deleterious effects on people's health and obstruct the goals of equality, political, and social rights. They include female genital mutilation, intimate partner violence, male preference, child marriage, and food taboos. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of HTPs among market women in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos, Nigeria. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out among 235 market women in Ojuwoye market, Mushin LGA, Lagos. Respondents were selected using the systematic sampling method, and the data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Epi info version 7. Proportions, mean, and standard deviation were generated and Chi-square test was used to explore the associations. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of HTP. Majority (66.8%) of the respondents had fair knowledge of HTPs. Overall attitude was generally good as 86% had an opposing attitude toward HTPs. About one-third of respondents (35.3%) practiced at least one form of HTP. Supportive attitude toward HTP was a predictor of HTP. Respondents with supportive attitude toward HTPs were 15.5 times more likely to practice HTPs than respondents with opposing attitude (adjusted odds ratio 15.51 confidence interval 4.22-57.07). Behavioral change programs should be geared toward improving the attitude of women against HTP and reducing the practice of HTP.

Traditional practices during pregnancy and childbirth among mothers in Shey Bench District, South West Ethiopia

Objective: Pregnancy and child birth is the most critical period in the health of women and children and the objective of this study was to explore traditional practices among mothers during pregnancy and delivery in Shey Bench District, South West Ethiopia, and we hope the evidence generated could benefit decision-makers and concerned bodies who are interested in this important public health issue. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study, which is an ideal approach when an uncomplicated description is desired that focuses on the details of what, where, when, and why of an event or experience, was conducted from March to May 2019 in Shey Bench District and a purposively selected 43 women have participated in the study. In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were conducted and data were analyzed by Open code 4.2 software and summarized following content analysis approach. Findings were narrated based on the major categories and study participants’ words were used as quotes. Results: In this study, it was found that mothers have experience of traditional practices mainly of abdominal massage, use of herbs, prohibition of some food types, and strenuous physical exercise during pregnancy and childbirth. As of the reasons; mothers reported as traditional practices help them to make the labor easy and fast, alleviate discomforts, and avoid unwanted big size of the fetus. Experience of health problem following practice of traditional practices like vaginal bleeding and child death were also reported. However, some study participants indicated as community members are changing their mind because of getting advice from health professionals. Conclusion: Although traditional practices were found to be exercised by mothers believing to get benefits, there were reports of health side effects on mothers and the fetus from applying abdominal massage, herbal medicine, food prohibition, and strenuous physical exercise during their pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, concerned working bodies shall design and implement necessary interventions, particularly health education programs to bring a better a change against harmful traditional practices.