Gender and culture-related barriers to access to mother and infant health services in the Far North of Cameroon
Journal Title: Anthropological Researches and Studies - Year 2018, Vol 8, Issue 8
Abstract
Objectives. The Far North region of Cameroon has one of the highest neonatal, child mortality and poverty rates in the country. The aim of this study was to understand the gender and culture-related barriers to women’s utilization of RMNCH (reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health), including HIV services. Material and methods. A participatory qualitative Rapid Assessment Process (RAP) was used and team members included women from the communities involved. Results. Diseases affecting infants are explained by causes ranging from bad nutrition to sorcery and angry ancestors' spirits and traditional treatments are often preferred over medical services. Pregnancy is considered a natural state and a “women's issue”, which is accompanied by cultural and religious norms that protect mother and fetus. Many women give birth at home with traditional birth attendants, who are trusted and follow accepted practices. Pregnant women living with HIV fear disclosing their status since this may lead to stigma and discrimination. Unequal gender power relations - including financial dependency on the husband - pose an additional barrier to service uptake, further enhanced by low male involvement in pregnancy-related health services. Lack of respect and confidentiality by health providers, associated with low-level availability and accessibility of services may also discourage their uptake. Conclusions. The implementation of the RAP findings may enable innovative ways to increase culture and gender sensitivity of RMNCH services, including prevention of vertical transmission of HIV, in communities in Far North of Cameroon.
Authors and Affiliations
Nudelman Anita, Tize Teri Deli, Ouattara Yafflo
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP568973
- DOI 10.26758/8.1.11
- Views 143
- Downloads 0
Aging and intergenerational care
Objectives. The evaluation and identification of support flows within the family, and the people involved in helping the elderly. Material and methods. Between 2016-2017 multiple questionnaires were applied to a total o...
An investigation of television programs that illustrates superstition and its effect on viewers
Objectives. Superstitious beliefs continue to plague the Indian society despite efforts from revolutionists and various organizations, who have used science to eradicate some beliefs. People with deep rooted superstition...
From spontaneous cyber-solidarities to radicalization of protest speech
Objectives. Our main goal is to show how important is the role of social media in spontaneous solidarities and the way in which an extreme speech regarding the role and place of religion and state as allegedly responsibl...
The Bulgarian family in the early 21st century
Objectives. The research examines some major trends in the development of the Bulgarian family in the early 21st century. One of these trends is characteristic for all the industrial societies – the increase of the numbe...
Towards a ‘heterotopology’ of gaming: From Azeroth to Sanctuary
Objectives. In this article, Michel Foucault’s (1967) theoretical insights regarding heterotopias are reconsidered, in order to determine whether his ‘heterotopology’ can be mirrored in several virtual worlds that are co...