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| Title: | The Contribution of cultural practices to maternal mortality: a case study of Kabale District |
| Authors: | Kanyesiga, Stella |
| Keywords: | Maternal mortality
Culture |
| Issue Date: | 15-Dec-2008 |
| Abstract: | Women form a very big percentage of Uganda's population (more than 50%), their
contribution to the labour force is more than 70% yet they are among the vulnerable
groups in society. This makes their health an area of interest because if it is neglected it will have an impact on the national development. The marginalization of women in society today has its origin from culture, which emphasizes the superiority of men. Cultural practices perpetuate some of the maternal problems women are faced with. Since cultures differ from area to area, and among different tribes, they are important in maternal mortality. The purpose of this research therefore was to establish the contribution of the cultural practices to maternal mortality in Kabale District. The research methods employed were both quantitative and qualitative. The sample population included men and women in Rwamucuucu and Bukinda sub-counties in Rukiga County, Kabale District, who were 18 years and above. Data was analyzed by use of percentages. It was found out that the use of herbs in pregnancy is a very common cultural practice in Kabale district. Some people get them from elderly women who have used them before while others get them from Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). According to the research findings, TBAs are usually visited by many pregnant women in the research area.
However the medical personnel refuted the use of herbs as a dangerous cultural practice to both the foetus and the mother. Other cultural practices that were mentioned to cause maternal mortality included early marriages, son preference and possession of the placenta. However the immediate cause that was mentioned by the majority respondents was malaria, which is taken by majority respondents as a light problem especially in early pregnancy.
The recommendations made include sensitisation of the communities on the dangerous cultural practices like use of herbs, early marriages, use of TBAs and son preference that could endanger women's health. The importance of antenatal check up should be emphasised and government policies like availing health facilities, training more staff, reduction on user charges and gender equality campaign in communities. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/274 |
| Appears in Collections: | Theses & Dissertations (Science)
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Files in This Item:
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Size | Format |
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| kanyesiga-gender-masters.pdf | Maternal mortality | 3907Kb | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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