Self-care practices of pregnant women: A qualitative study in a Nigerian rural community
Context: Inadequate self-care during pregnancy is a contributor to the poor maternal health indices in Cross River State; including the high maternal mortality ratio of 2,000/100,000 live births. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify self-care practices adopted by women during...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State Branch
2019-08-01
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| Series: | Ibom Medical Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://ibommedicaljournal.org/index.php/imjhome/article/view/366 |
| Summary: | Context: Inadequate self-care during pregnancy is a contributor to the poor maternal health indices in Cross River State; including the high maternal mortality ratio of 2,000/100,000 live births.
Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify self-care practices adopted by women during pregnancy and delivery and to identify barriers to quality self care.
Methods: Focus Group Discussions, Key informant interviews and in-depth interviews were conducted among pregnant women, women of reproductive age and other stakeholders in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Results: The study revealed inadequate knowledge and practice of self-care during pregnancy. Some pregnant women were unable to recognize early signs of pregnancy while others, especially young unmarried girls, tried to hide the pregnancy. Barriers to effective self-care identified included myths and misconceptions, especially the belief that health-related events during pregnancy are caused by witches and wizards, lack of preparation for pregnancy and abandonment of pregnant women by partners, usually due to unwillingness and/or inability to father the child.
Conclusion: There is need for pre-marital and pre-natal counselling and health education so as to address identified gaps in knowledge and practice and lack of male involvement in maternal healthcare.
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| ISSN: | 1597-7188 2735-9964 |