Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113014

Mellissa H. Withers, MHS, Community Health, UCLA, 11664 National Blvd #277, Los Angeles, CA 90064, 3103979549, mellwit@yahoo.com and Denise Abe, MD, MPH, East Bali Poverty Project, 11664 National Blvd. #277, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

Some isolated communities in East Bali, Indonesia have not experienced the same recent declines in infant mortality as other communities and infant mortality rates have remained high at an estimated 70 per 1000 live births. Although lack of health care may be a factor, traditional beliefs and practices may also contribute. The purpose of this study was to explore traditional beliefs and practices regarding pregnancy, childbirth and health care utilization, and to determine whether these contribute to infant mortality. The health belief model was utilized in the study design. METHODS: The study site was a community of 10,000 in East Bali with 19 sub-villages. Three focus groups and over thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants, including local mothers, traditional and formal health care providers and community health volunteers. Content analysis was performed. RESULTS: Numerous traditional beliefs and practices were uncovered that may contribute to infant mortality including: food taboos leading to poor nutrition, inaccurate myths surrounding childhood illnesses and breastfeeding, skepticism of immunizations, distrust of formal health care providers and fear of witchcraft and evil spirits. RECOMMENDATIONS: Programs should address the traditional beliefs that may lead to infant mortality. Women who express distrust of health care providers must be convinced of the benefits of pre-natal care and immunizations for their children. Women could benefit from education programs related to child illness and proper nutrition, especially breastfeeding. These findings demonstrate the need for culturally-sensitive programs targeting young women with little previous experience in the formal health care system.

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