Abstract
Problem
Little is known about the home practices and care given to neonates born in Egypt.
Background
Two thirds of all infant deaths in Egypt occur in the neonatal period and many of
these deaths occur in the home environment out of sight of health care providers.
Understanding cultural practices and beliefs about caring for neonates may help direct
appropriate interventions to improve infant outcomes.
Aim
To describe maternal cultural care practices used with neonates and highlight harmful
practices in order to identify areas of required change in care.
Methods
A descriptive study using a convenience sample of 200 women recruiting from outpatient
pediatric facilities in Qena, Egypt. Face to face interviews were used to gather data.
Findings
More than one third (37.5%) of the studied women given birth in the home, and a traditional
birth attendant assisted with the majority of home births (90%). Breast-feeding was
delayed between 1 and 4 days in 27% of the women and they were more likely to use cultural practices, rather
than modern medical practices, for neonatal eye and umbilical care. Maternal cultural
practices used in the home can be categorized as being harmful, beneficial, and as
having no-effect on neonatal health based upon available evidence.
Discussion
A variety of cultural practices are used by women for neonatal care in upper Egypt.
Many of these practices may have a negative effect on neonatal health and should be
discontinued.
Conclusion
Comprehensive interventions are needed to modify women’ care practices.
Abbreviations:
MCH (mother and child health centers), WHO (World Health Organization), TBA (traditional birth attendance), MC (Monte Carlo)Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 25, 2017
Accepted:
September 25,
2017
Received in revised form:
September 13,
2017
Received:
March 27,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
