CULTURAL BELIEFS, LOCAL PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES REGARDING IMMEDIATE NEONATAL CARE: A MIXED METHOD STUDY IN RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Background: In the global perspective, plenty of efforts are being made to reduce the under-five mortality that is occurring despite of evidence-based health care strategies. The duration from the time around the birth till 28 days (neonatal period) is most crucial for the survival, growth and development of the child born. Out of the ten major contributors towards increasing the neonatal mortality rates Pakistan lies at the third rank accounting for 7% of total newborn deaths.

Objective: To understand the cultural beliefs, local perceptions and practices of women regarding immediate neonatal care in Rawalpindi.

Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: AFPGMI Rawalpindi, from Mar to Aug 2018.

Material and Methods: It was focusing on low to middle socioeconomic strata to understand local perceptions and practices regarding the quality of care for the newborns. As per the qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with the women who have delivered in the last 40 days to explore their cultural beliefs and local perceptions resulting in the quality of their care practices for the neonates.

Results: The cultural beliefs of the mothers regarding immediate neonatal care had a visible influence on their practices. The use of mustard oil for cord care, considering colostrum bad milk and avoiding it, feeding prelacteals e.g. ghutti with honey and late initiation of breastfeeding were some of the poor-quality practices among the mothers of the neonates.

Conclusion: Newborn are fragile so they need proper trained care. Poor care makes its newborn prone to morbidity and lifelong disability