Impact of Socio-Cultural Factors on Antenatal Practices

Abstract

The provision for special care during pregnancy through public health services is considered by World Health organization as a part of reproductive health right of women which, however, is not achieved till date due to socio-cultural factors resulting increased maternal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to observe impact of socio-cultural factors on antenatal practices. The study was conducted in three Village Development Committees (Dakhaquady, Khaira, and Belbash) of Pyuthan district. During the period Cross-sectional study was followed. Two hundred forty six respondents were selected through simple random procedure. Interview schedules were used to collect information from respondents. Data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS 11.5. The mean age of first pregnancy among respondents was 18.75 years. Forty-two percent of them were illiterate and 76.90 percent respondents were involved in agricultural field work. Early marriage and pregnancy systems were most common in study population. Socio-cultural factors were strongly associated with ANC practices.

Key words: ANC practices, early marriage, early pregnancy, Pyuthan, socio-cultural factors, traditional beliefs.