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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Joseph Mabirizi, Mr, Onesmus Dralega, Mr, Francesca Akello, Ms, and Xavier Nsabagasani, Mr. Uganda Program for Human and Holistic Development, P.O.Box 40070, Kampala, Uganda, +256 41 222 856, jmabirizi@upholduganda.org

Introduction Social cultural practices are probably an important factor in explaining the high infant mortality (88/1000) and maternal mortality (354/100,000) rates in Uganda. There is need to identify factors that can be integrated into reproductive health programmes to reduce these high rates of mortality.

Methods A cross sectional survey using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) was conducted among women who had delivered in the last two years preceding the survey in 224 households in Arua District. About the same time, a qualitative study on reproductive health and cultural norms was conducted in a sub-sample of mothers, and served to explain findings from the quantitative study.

Results 96.4% (216) pregnant mothers in the survey attended antenatal care at least once at health facilities. 67.9% had made arrangements for the birth of their children and 33% had been provided with free ‘Maama Kits' for delivery. However, only 30.4% (68) of pregnant mothers actually delivered from health facilities. 11.6% (26) delivered with no assistance. It was found that cultural beliefs influenced mothers' place and method of delivery. In this part of the country, a mother is considered a ‘woman' if she can successfully deliver herself from home.

Conclusion In designing public health programs in Uganda, it is necessary to first understand how taboos, norms and practices influence behaviour and how these can be mitigated. Reliance on quantitative information while necessary is not sufficient to guide program decision-making.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of this presentation, the audience should be able to appreciate the role culture, norms and practices can play in the uptake of public health programs in developing countries

Keywords: Culture,

Related Web page: www.upholduganda.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered