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Title Cultural considerations and beliefs surrounding preterm birth in Kenya and South Africa.
Full text https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0dw7b7w4
Date 2023
Author(s) Milford, Cecilia; Smith, Emma; Ngure, Kenneth; Thuo, Nicholas B; Newmann, Sara; Lazarus, Nalinie; Beksinska, Mags; Mugo, Nelly; Rand, Larry
Abstract BackgroundPreterm birth (PTB) is a global health epidemic, sub-Saharan Africa is severely impacted due to its limited healthcare resources. Pregnancy knowledge, cultural beliefs and practices play a role in the identification of risk and management of PTB. This study explored knowledge, understandings, cultural beliefs and attitudes to pregnancy and PTB, as well as cultural considerations for the introduction of an intravaginal device which could be used to identify PTB risk.MethodsQualitative research was conducted in South Africa and Kenya. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured guides with women with a history of PTB (n = 10), healthcare providers (n = 16) and health systems experts (n = 10); and 26 focus group discussions with pregnant women seeking antenatal care (n = 132) and community male partners/fathers (n = 54). Interviews/discussions were transcribed, translated, and analysed thematically.ResultsPregnancy knowledge, especially for first time pregnancies was poor, with many reporting late entry to antenatal care. Knowledge about PTB was understood in terms of gestational age, weight or small size of baby, with concerns about long term health and stigma. Various risk factors for PTB were described, including those related to traditions and beliefs of witchcraft/curses. Cultural practices, such as the use of traditional medicines and pica, and religion and its impact on health seeking behaviour were also viewed as risk factors. Although insertion of intravaginal devices was not widely acceptable in traditional communities, especially during pregnancy, it was felt that the use of one to detect risk of PTB would be accepted if proven effective in reducing PTB risk.ConclusionsVarious culturally-informed beliefs exist which explain understandings of and attitudes toward pregnancy, pregnancy risk, and PTB. An inclusive exploratory process is critical to facilitate an understanding of the beliefs and traditions which could impact the introduction and design of a product to detect the risk of PTB.
Subject(s) Humans; Premature Birth; Emotions; Pregnancy; Infant; Infant; Newborn; Kenya; South Africa; Female; Male; Epidemics; Beliefs; Culture; Intravaginal device; Preterm birth; Clinical Research; Perinatal Period - Conditions Originating in Perinatal Period; Pediatric; Behavioral and Social Science; Preterm; Low Birth Weight and Health of the Newborn; Prevention; Infant Mortality; 7.1 Individual care needs; Management of diseases and conditions; Reproductive health and childbirth; Good Health and Well Being; Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine; Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
Coverage 87
Publisher eScholarship, University of California
Type of publication article
Format application/pdf
Source Reproductive health, vol 20, iss 1
Rights public
Identifier qt0dw7b7w4
Repository Berkeley - University of California
Added to C-A: 2023-09-13;10:22:19