CULTURAL PRACTICES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN DASS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Gambo Suleiman
Volume 13 Issue 2
Abstract
This study examined cultural practices and their influence on maternal health outcomes in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 384 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) using a structured questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was employed, while data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Findings revealed that several cultural practices remain common in the study area, particularly food taboos, preference for traditional birth attendants, male-dominated decision-making, use of herbal medicine, and childbirth rituals. Overall, these practices were found to significantly influence maternal health behaviour by contributing to delayed access to healthcare, increased reliance on home delivery, and maternal complications. Utilization of maternal healthcare services showed moderate uptake, with about two-thirds of respondents attending antenatal care, while a notable proportion still preferred home delivery. Key barriers to service utilization included distance to health facilities, cost of services, and cultural beliefs. The Chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between cultural practices and maternal health service utilization (χ² = 28.64, df = 4, p < 0.001), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concludes that cultural practices significantly influence maternal health behaviours and outcomes in Dass LGA despite increasing awareness of modern healthcare services. It recommends community-based health education, male involvement in maternal health decisions, and improved accessibility to health facilities, cost reduction strategies, and integration of traditional birth attendants into the formal health system to improve maternal health outcomes. Keywords: Cultural Practices, Maternal Health, Antenatal Care, Traditional Birth Attendants, Health Utilization
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