Traditional Belief Systems and Maternal Health in Kilifi South Sub-County, Kilifi County, Kenya

Approximately 830 women die each day worldwide from pregnancy related complications, 99% of them in developing countries and more than 50% in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite increasing global and national attention on safe motherhood, a recent study by the relevant agencies and the World Bank identified Kenya as one of eight countries in Africa that have made very little progress in reducing maternal deaths. The study sought to assess the influence of belief systems on maternal health in Kilifi South sub-county. The objectives of the study included; to examine the existing Cultural beliefs that women hold during pregnancy in Kilifi South Sub County; to establish the factors contributing to the continued beliefs and practices regarding maternal health in Kilifi South Sub County and to examine the perceptions and attitudes of women on the beliefs held regarding maternal health in Kilifi South Sub county. This study was based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour one of a closely inter-related family of theories which adopt a cognitive approach to explaining behaviour as propounded by be able to perform or carry out the behaviour, and is very similar to notions of self-efficacy. The researcher used descriptive research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study targeted women of Kilifi County, health practitioners and opinion leaders. The sample population of the study was 397 women, these were sampled using disproportionate stratified sampling. Both questionnaires and interview schedule were used as data collection tools. Quantitative data was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data with frequency distribution tables developed and categorized using a non-normal scale while qualitative data was transcribed, coded and analyzed. Inferential statistics were further used to reach conclusions of the research. The study established that 73.3% of the women of reproductive age are aware of the traditional beliefs and practices that affect maternal health. These range from diet taboos that deny women the nutrients required by Traditional Belief Systems and Maternal Health in... P. Akisa Wabwire, E. Okuto, M. T. Okuku Volume-IV, Issue-VI May 2018 54 their bodies, beliefs that restrict women from accessing health services due to restriction in movements prior to and after delivery and those that demand they seek assistance from traditional birth attendants. The study also established that several factors contribute to continuity of the belief systems including preservation of culture being rated first at 36.8%, ignorance at 35.9%, fear of rejection at 14.9%, past experiences at 10% among other factors. Based on the findings of this study the following conclusion was drawn that ; traditional beliefs held by the community presents a threat to the health of the women and their babies and action needs to be taken to ensure that a healthy society is attained. To address the dominance of harmful traditional beliefs and practices regarding maternal health, sensitization to women and the community at large on basic knowledge on dangers associated with unskilled service uptake is essential to enable women be aware of the consequences of unskilled delivery and lack of adherence to post-natal and prenatal care. To address the issue of continued harmful beliefs and practices as a result of ignorance the study calls for the focus on girl child education to the highest level in Kilifi South Sub County. By ensuring that women get educated to the highest level they will be able to make informed decisions regarding their health and shun from beliefs that are harmful. The TBAs need to be sensitized and linked to facilities where they can refer clients for skilled services.