Cultural beliefs and practice's role in postpartum women health and health seeking behavior in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Problem Statement: The postpartum period is a critical time for women's health, yet many women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, face health challenges due to cultural beliefs and practices that may hinder their access to timely and appropriate care. Despite global efforts to reduce maternal mortality, Ethiopia continues to grapple with high rates of maternal deaths, particularly during the postpartum period. Objectives: To explore the cultural beliefs and practices during the postpartum period in postpartum women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative research using in-depth interviews, was employed to gather rich and detailed data on the experiences and perspectives of postpartum women presenting to health centres in Addis Ababa for infant vaccination services at six weeks postpartum. Purposive sampling was used. And thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes within the data. Result: The study conducted 9 detailed interviews with informants aged 22 to 44, representing various educational backgrounds. The findings highlighted key themes such as cultural beliefs, postpartum dietary practices, hygiene and care, emotional resilience, mobility restrictions, protection beliefs, sexual abstinence, and medical practices among postpartum women. Conclusion and recommendation: The study sheds light on the significant impact of cultural beliefs and practices on postpartum women's health in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive and tailored interventions to address the challenges faced by women during this critical period. By understanding and addressing these cultural factors, we can work towards improving maternal health outcomes and reducing maternal mortality rates in Ethiopia.