Assessment of the Harmful Cultural Practices Affecting the Health of Rural Women: A Study of Community Based Women Organisations in Ebonyi State
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of the study on the assessment of harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women in Ebonyi State, focusing on community-based women organizations, is to:
- To investigate and document the prevalence of harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women in Ebonyi State.
- To understand the cultural context and dynamics that contribute to the persistence of harmful practices
- To evaluate the health consequences of harmful cultural practices on rural women in Ebonyi State.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
On her study, Onyejiuwa (2009) assessed the harmful cultural practices affecting rural women’s health. The study of used community-based women organisations in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Among her major findings shows that majority of the respondents (affected women) were educationally disadvantaged. The study also confirmed that early marriage, female genital mutilation, widowhood practices and nutritional taboos existed and practiced in different locations. The respondents’ opinions to the questionnaire were similar to those of the discussants during the (FGD) sessions. Chukwu, Scent, Emeka, Obi and Kalu (2014) examine some violent cultural practices such as widowhood discrimination, female genital mutilation, wife battery, and early girl child marriage perpetrated against Igbo women in the three senatorial districts of Ebonyi state, South-east Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The questionnaire was one the instruments used for data collection. The second instrument: focus group discussion (FGD) while three hundred (300) respondents were selected for the study. Chi square (x2 ) was adopted to test the hypotheses at.05 level of significance. The results rejected the null hypotheses, and accepted the alternate hypotheses. The rejection revealed that these cultural practices were inimical to the development of women. In 2015, Peterside, Duru, and Anene studied harmful traditional practices in a newborn: A case report. It was discovered that 99% of the nearly four million newborn deaths occur in developing countries with newborn deaths remaining relatively invisible and neglected. Also, in Nigeria, traditional attitudes and practices dominate newborn care and are often hazardous as most births and newborn deaths in developing countries occur outside healthcare facilities, a reduction in neonatal mortality may depend significantly on interventions involving adaptation of traditional care behaviours practiced at home. However, despite the importance of traditional practices in the newborn period, little is known about these practices’ impact on newborn health. The study presented a case of an eighteen day old female who was rushed to the hospital with severe wasting, recto-vaginal prolapsed and septic umbilical cord resulting from repeated traditional home care practices by her mother and grandmother. Jimoh et al, (2018) carried out a cross-sectional study of traditional practices affecting maternal and newborn health in rural Nigeria. It was discovered that the median age of marriage and pregnancy were 15 and 16 years respectively; Home births were high (90.4%) while non-skilled birth attendant was 87.4%. The community had a son preference index ratio of 1:4.1. Up to 81.5% of mothers responded that one form of unhygienic traditional procedure or the other was performed on their children. Time to initiation of breast feeding was in hours in the majority (76.3%) of mothers, with a high rate of use of pre-lacteal feeds (85.2%). Being an adolescent mother (AOR 0.403, 95%CI 0.203, 0,797) and utilising a skilled provider at birth (AOR 0.245, 95%CI 0.088, 0.683) were associated with less likelihood of having an unhygienic procedure performed on children.
Health
Health is the level of functional and metabolic efficacy of a living organism. In human it is the ability of individuals or communities to adapt and self-manage when facing physical, mental or social changes (Jadad & O’Grady, 2008). The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health in its broader sense in it 1948 constitution as “ a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO,2000). An example of such a definition of health is: “a state characterized by anatomic, physiologic, and psychological integrity; ability to perform personally valued family, work and community roles; ability to deal with physical, biologic, psychological and social stress” (Stokes, Noren & Shindell, 1982).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine assessment of the harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women: a study of community based women organisations in Ebonyi state. Selected women in Ebonyi state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain assessment of the harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women: a study of community based women organisations in Ebonyi state. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing assessment of the harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women: a study of community based women organisations in Ebonyi state
Summary
This study was on assessment of the harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women: a study of community based women organisations in Ebonyi state. Three objectives were raised which included: To investigate and document the prevalence of harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women in Ebonyi State, to understand the cultural context and dynamics that contribute to the persistence of harmful practices and to evaluate the health consequences of harmful cultural practices on rural women in Ebonyi State. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected women from Ebonyi state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings of this study contribute to the growing body of knowledge on harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women in Ebonyi State. By shedding light on the nuances of these practices, acknowledging the efforts of community-based women organizations, and emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, the study advocates for a holistic approach to improving the well-being of rural women. It is hoped that the insights gained from this assessment will inform targeted interventions, shape policies, and inspire further research endeavors aimed at creating a more equitable and healthier environment for women in Ebonyi State.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the assessment of harmful cultural practices affecting the health of rural women in Ebonyi State, with a focus on community-based women organizations, the following recommendations are proposed to address the identified issues and promote positive change:
- Strengthen Community-Based Women Organizations: Empower and support community-based women organizations by providing them with resources, training, and capacity-building programs. Strengthening these organizations enhances their ability to advocate for women’s rights, challenge harmful practices, and implement effective community-based interventions.
- Culturally Sensitive Health Education: Develop and implement culturally sensitive health education programs that address harmful cultural practices. Collaborate with community-based organizations to disseminate information on the health risks associated with specific practices and promote alternative, healthier behaviors.
- Engage Traditional and Religious Leaders: Collaborate with traditional and religious leaders to raise awareness about the adverse health effects of harmful practices. Seek their support in advocating for change and promoting culturally sensitive approaches to address these issues within the communities.
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