Exploring Cultural Belife and Practices Assciated with Maternal Health Care :

Abstract

Maternal health issues have always been a key concern of any health care system. Though historically healthcare system of Bangladesh are mostly focused on mother and child health, but still this concern require more attention because of its connections with diverse socio-cultural affairs. Various cultural beliefs and practices may affect Antenatal Care (ANC), delivery, and postnatal care (PNC) service. This study demonstrated an in-depth of people’s cultural beliefs, attitude, and practices towards pregnant women’s association with maternal health care among middle-class Bengal families in a semi-urban area ( Salmanpur in Cumilla city) of Bangladesh. Reviewing relevant articles and collecting primary data through nineteen (19) in-depth interviews with pregnant women and newborn mother, their husbands, mother-in-law, and community health workers, investigation on the concern issues were completed in the mentioned study area. Along with delivery restriction, food taboos, movement and mobility restrictions, traditional approach to treatment, women shifting to parental from in-law’s home were revealed as a customary practices. These beliefs and practices are proven as a bottleneck I n receiving and continuing the comprehensive maternal health related services. Success of future pertinent interventions in ensuring maternal healthcare, further discovery of related cultural beliefs and practices are important and their consideration are imperative.