Anatomie et physiologie : recherches en cours
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Traditional Maternal Health Beliefs and Practices in Southern Tigray: The Case of Raya Alamata District

Hayelom Abadi Mesele

Maternal health is the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period which is crucial for the well-being of a mother and new born baby. Unfortunately, most women in Ethiopia do not receive these services due to perceived traditional beliefs and practices. Apparently, women in Raya Alamata district have no exception. Astonishingly, the issue of maternal health seems to have not been explored in detail so far in the district in particular. Thus, the overall objective of this study is to investigate the traditional maternal health beliefs and practices in Southern Tigray: The case of Raya Alamata District. The researcher employed qualitative data collection methods like Focus Group Discussion (FGD), key informant and in-depth interview. The study population was the reproductive rural women (15-49) who live in Raya Alamata district. The sample was selected from three Tabia by using judgmental sampling technique. The qualitative data are analyzed by using thematic analysis in verbatim. According to the findings of the study, perceived cultural barriers such as religious and traditional health beliefs and practices such as Zarr, confinement, Mejilis, Dubarti, food taboos and restriction of mobility after delivery were highly affecting the maternal health seeking behavior of rural women.