ABSTRACT
Cultural practices consist of the beliefs and practices held or observed through grand-parents, parents and the society. There are various cultural practices which affect the neonate. Harmful cultural practices are those practices that are known to have negative effects on neonatal health. The aim of this study was to explore the cultural beliefs and practices on neonatal health among mothers in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.A cross sectional descriptive design was adopted. A total of 400 mothers were recruited through multistage sampling technique during the period of October 2016 to December 2016. A semi- structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. All ethical consideration was keept during the study phases. Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that: Majority of the mothers 333 (85.9%) were between the age range of 21 - 40 years old. Ninety five point one percent were Muslims. More than half of the mothers 257(66.5%) were unemployed. Also (57%) deliverd their babiesat home where (53%) of them had unplanned deliveries. Seventy percent of them delivered in the presence of unskilled health providers. The mothers accepted the cultural practices regarding neonatal feeding (60%), and care during neonatal illness (53%). Cultural beliefs (46.8%) and past experience of mothers (34%) were the reasons for performing the practices. Mothers are not aware of the effect of female genital mutilation (69%), traditional uvulectomy (67.8%), dauri (herbal) bath and administration (50.5%). The common harmful cultural practices performed by mothers in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State include female genital mutilation (68.3%), traditional uvulectomy (63.6%), the use of dauri (herbal) bath and administration (54.4%). The result also showed that at p= 0.05 level of significance there was a significant relationship between mothers agep= (0.05), ethnic groupp= (0.02) and cultural beliefs of mothers. It also revealed that there was a significant relationship between cultural practices and marital statusp= (0.005), ethnic groupp= (0.018), family incomep= (0.056), parityp= (0.025), number of children alivep=(0.015) and place of delivery of mothersp= (0.003). On the basis of the result and the objectives of the study, it was recommended that more attension should be given on harmful cultural practices by community health nurses in changing mothers? opinion regarding cultural neonatal feeding and illness. There is need for community health workers to educate the mothers more on early neonatal care especially on feeding practices and care during illness, not only when they go for antenatal care, but also in the form of campaigns, at market places, places of worship and social centers. Men should equally not be left out as they are the decision makers in the family. These will change their beliefs on neonatal care which will improve neonatal health and reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Key words: Culture, Belief, Practices, Neonatal Health, Mother.