An observational study on knowledge of cultural practices among antenatal and postnatal women at a tertiary care hospital

• Author Details:   
• Rajasri G Yaliwal
• Preeti Shankar Malapure
• Shailaja R Bidri
• Namita Gupta
• Gauri Bankapur
• Shreedevi Kori ^*

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Background: Safe Motherhood Initiative, a worldwide effort was launched by the World Health Organization in 1987 which aimed to reduce the number of deaths associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Care of antenatal mothers is an important element in maternal healthcare as it will lead to successful pregnancy outcome and healthy babies. Since inadequate Antenatal Care is associated with worse pregnancy outcomes, it is vital for health policymakers to better understand the factors influencing proper and prompt utilization of Antenatal checkup.

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of cultural beliefs among antenatal and postnatal women admitted in maternity ward at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Materials and Methods: An observational study was carried in Tertiary Health Care Centre for 6 months from October 2021 to March 2022. A total of 507 pregnant women were observed. All females either antenatal or postnatal in the maternity wards were asked certain set of questions regarding cultural practices they follow in their homes during pregnancy.

Results: A total of 507 antenatal and postnatal women were considered who were asked pre-validated questions regarding cultural practices followed in their households during pregnancy. It was observed that most of the families were nuclear in which husbands (82.8%) were head of family and were therefore the main member who were accompanying wives (57.4%) for antenatal checkups. Nearly 51.9% had male baby preferences due to family pressure (41%). According to our study, 93.7% patients have taken proper antenatal care, and 92.5% had institutional delivery.

Conclusion: The family's caregivers are responsible for safe motherhood. The best possible outcome for both the mother and the fetus can be predicted with more care providers' expertise.