CULTURE AND CARE: HOW TRADITIONAL PRACTICES SHAPE MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Across many Nigerian communities, cultural beliefs and traditional practices continue to play a vital role in shaping women’s experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This study investigates how these cultural norms influence maternal health outcomes, especially in terms of healthcare-seeking behavior, access to skilled care, and the utilization of prenatal and postnatal services. It explores women’s knowledge and perceptions of pregnancy and childbirth, their awareness and use of skilled maternal healthcare, and the household practices that influence care decisions. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 399 participants through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, while qualitative data were examined through thematic content analysis. Findings show that although many women are aware of the benefits of skilled maternal care, cultural norms, family expectations, and longstanding traditions still influence their decisions during pregnancy and after childbirth. The study underscores the need for healthcare interventions that respect cultural values while promoting evidence-based maternal care to reduce preventable complications and improve outcomes for mothers and babies in Nigeria.