Cultural issues in maternal and new born and child health

Cultural issues can play a significant role in maternal and newborn health, as well as child health. Here are some examples:

Maternal Health:

  1. Pregnancy and childbirth practices: In some cultures, pregnancy and childbirth are viewed as a private matter, and women may not seek medical care until complications arise.
  2. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C): FGM/C is a harmful cultural practice that can lead to serious health complications, including hemorrhage, infection, and infertility.
  3. Infanticide: In some cultures, newborn girls are viewed as less valuable than boys, leading to infanticide or abandonment.
  4. Breastfeeding: In some cultures, breastfeeding is not widely accepted or is viewed as taboo, leading to a lack of access to this essential form of nutrition.
  5. Prenatal care: In some cultures, prenatal care is not prioritized, leading to a lack of access to essential health services.

Newborn Health:

  1. Circumcision: In some cultures, circumcision is a common practice, while in others, it is viewed as unnecessary or harmful.
  2. Newborn care practices: In some cultures, newborns are not given essential care, such as vitamin K injections or eye ointment, leading to increased risk of infection and disease.
  3. Newborn mortality: In some cultures, newborn mortality is high due to lack of access to essential health services, such as skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care.

Child Health:

  1. Vaccination: In some cultures, vaccination is not widely accepted or is viewed as unnecessary, leading to a lack of protection against preventable diseases.
  2. Child labor: In some cultures, children are forced to work instead of attending school, leading to a lack of education and increased risk of exploitation.
  3. Child marriage: In some cultures, child marriage is common, leading to a lack of education and increased risk of exploitation and abuse.
  4. Nutrition: In some cultures, children may not have access to essential nutrients, leading to malnutrition and increased risk of disease.
  5. Mental health: In some cultures, mental health is not prioritized, leading to a lack of access to essential services and increased risk of mental health disorders.

Addressing Cultural Issues in Maternal and Newborn and Child Health:

  1. Cultural competency: Healthcare providers should be trained to be culturally competent, understanding the cultural beliefs and practices of the communities they serve.
  2. Community engagement: Healthcare providers should engage with communities to understand their cultural beliefs and practices, and to develop culturally sensitive health programs.
  3. Education: Healthcare providers should educate communities about the importance of maternal and newborn health, as well as child health, and provide information on available health services.
  4. Partnerships: Healthcare providers should partner with community leaders and organizations to develop culturally sensitive health programs and services.
  5. Policy change: Governments and policymakers should develop policies that address cultural issues in maternal and newborn and child health, such as laws prohibiting FGM/C and child marriage.

By addressing cultural issues in maternal and newborn and child health, we can improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.