1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, increased global health awareness and the rise of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) shifted focus toward identifying and addressing harmful practices. The WHO and other health bodies began to address harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) and restrictive postpartum practices more directly, recognizing their adverse effects on maternal and infant health (World Health Organization, 2019). Recent studies have continued to build on this foundation by examining the knowledge and attitudes of women towards these practices. Research has increasingly focused on understanding how cultural beliefs and practices affect women’s health decisions and outcomes, with a particular emphasis on the age group of 23 to 33 years, who are often at a critical juncture in their reproductive lives (Lee & Kim, 2021).
Cultural practices related to childbirth have been a subject of interest in health research due to their significant impact on maternal and infant health outcomes. In various cultures, traditional beliefs and practices shape the experiences and practices surrounding childbirth, often with varying effects on health (Gordon & Davis, 2020). While some cultural practices can be beneficial, others are deemed harmful and can negatively affect childbirth and maternal health (World Health Organization, 2019).
Harmful cultural practices are traditional customs or rituals that negatively impact health, particularly during childbirth. Such practices include female genital mutilation, restrictive postpartum rituals, and other practices that may endanger the health of mothers and infants (World Health Organization, 2020). The interplay between cultural practices and health outcomes is a critical area of study in understanding childbirth among women. In many societies, traditional beliefs and practices significantly influence reproductive health, often with profound implications for maternal and infant outcomes (World Health Organization, 2019). In particular, harmful cultural practices can adversely affect childbirth experiences and outcomes for women of child-bearing age.
Cultural practices surrounding childbirth vary widely across different societies, with some practices posing risks to the health and well-being of mothers and infants (Morris & Morrow, 2020). These harmful practices, often deeply embedded in cultural traditions, include ritualistic procedures, dietary restrictions, and restrictive postpartum practices (Smith et al., 2018). Despite advances in medical knowledge and practices, these cultural practices persist, sometimes due to the strong adherence to tradition or lack of awareness about their potential harms (Jackson, 2019).
Harmful cultural practices, including certain ritualistic procedures, dietary restrictions, and postpartum practices, can pose serious risks to women during childbirth (Smith et al., 2018). For example, practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) or restrictive postpartum confinement can lead to complications such as infections, prolonged labor, and mental health issues (Hassan & Ali, 2021). Despite increased awareness and advocacy against such practices, they persist in various communities due to strong cultural adherence and a lack of comprehensive education on their risks (Jackson, 2019). Women aged 23 to 33 years represent a crucial demographic for this study, as they are in a prime age range for childbirth and are often in a transitional phase of increased awareness and decision-making regarding their health (Lee & Kim, 2021). This period is pivotal for addressing harmful practices and providing education that can improve health outcomes for both mothers and infants.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess the knowledge and impact of harmful cultural practices on childbirth among women of child-bearing age (23-33) years.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many women within the 23 to 33 age group may lack awareness about the adverse effects of these practices on childbirth, leading to continued adherence despite available medical evidence (Smith et al., 2018). Additionally, there is often a lack of effective communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding culturally sensitive practices (Hassan & Ali, 2021).
Furthermore, the socio-cultural resistance to changing traditional practices poses a barrier to implementing effective interventions and promoting safer childbirth practices. It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by evaluating the knowledge and impact of harmful cultural practices on childbirth among women of child-bearing age (23-33) years.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the knowledge and impact of harmful cultural practices on childbirth among women of child-bearing age (23-33) years. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate the prevalence of harmful cultural practices in the studied demographic and their impact on maternal and infant health.
- To assess the level of knowledge among women aged 23 to 33 years regarding harmful cultural practices and their effects on childbirth.
- To identify the main sources of information and misconceptions about harmful cultural practices among the target population.
- To explore the relationship between knowledge levels and adherence to harmful cultural practices.
- To recommend strategies for improving awareness and reducing the negative impact of these practices through targeted educational programs and policy interventions.
1.4 Research Questions
The research study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the level of knowledge among women aged 23 to 33 years regarding harmful cultural practices related to childbirth?
- How prevalent are harmful cultural practices among women in this age group, and what are their specific impacts on maternal and infant health?
- What are the primary sources of information and common misconceptions about harmful cultural practices among these women?
- What is the relationship between the level of knowledge about harmful cultural practices and the adherence to these practices?
- What strategies can be developed to enhance awareness and mitigate the negative effects of harmful cultural practices on childbirth through education and policy interventions?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the level of knowledge about harmful cultural practices and the adherence to these practices among women aged 23 to 33 years.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge about harmful cultural practices and the adherence to these practices among women aged 23 to 33 years.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Harmful cultural practices do not have a significant impact on maternal and infant health outcomes among women aged 23 to 33 years.
- H1: Harmful cultural practices have a significant impact on maternal and infant health outcomes among women aged 23 to 33 years.
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will contribute to the development of targeted health education programs, tailored to address the specific cultural contexts and misconceptions prevalent among women in this age group. It will also inform policymakers and health practitioners about effective strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of these practices, leading to improved health outcomes for mothers and infants. More so, educational Institutions will benefit from the study by integrating findings into curricula and training programs for health professionals.
Furthermore, policy makers will be equipped with data-driven insights to design and implement policies that target harmful cultural practices. Also, women of Child-Bearing Age will benefit directly from increased awareness and education regarding harmful practices. Additionally, the study will enhance the overall understanding of the interplay between cultural beliefs and health practices, helping to integrate culturally sensitive approaches into maternal health care.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the knowledge and impact of harmful cultural practices on childbirth among women of child-bearing age (23-33) years.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Insufficient data was a major challenge, as the sample size or quality of responses might not fully represent the diversity of experiences among the target population.
- Frequent power failures during data collection and analysis periods disrupted the research process, causing delays and affecting the consistency of data handling.
- Delays from respondents in providing timely feedback further hindered the research progress, impacting the overall data collection timeline.
- Financial constraints also restricted the scope of the study, limiting resources available for comprehensive data collection and analysis.
- Time constraints affected the depth of the study, as there was limited opportunity to explore all aspects of the impact of harmful cultural practices in detail.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Harmful Cultural Practices: These are traditional customs or rituals that negatively impact health, particularly during childbirth. Such practices include female genital mutilation, restrictive postpartum rituals, and other practices that may endanger the health of mothers and infants (World Health Organization, 2020).
Childbirth: This refers to the process of delivering a baby from the mother's womb, which involves labor and delivery stages. It is a critical period for both maternal and infant health (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2019).
Maternal Health: The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healthy outcomes for mothers (United Nations, 2021).
Infant Health: This pertains to the health status of a newborn baby, including factors such as birth weight, immediate health care, and the absence of complications resulting from the mother’s health practices (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
