Perspectives of Northern Ugandan Health Providers About the Effect of Cultural Beliefs and Practices on Birth Outcomes

Abstract

This research is important for those interested in the health of women and children in Africa, specifically the country of Uganda. Maternal and infant mortality rates in Uganda, especially northern Uganda, are very high. Many health providers from resource-rich countries are interested in partnering with health providers in low-resource countries such as Uganda to improve maternal and infant mortality, yet they know very little about the traditional and indigenous beliefs and practices and how these factors contribute to the success of intervention programs. It is essential that cultural considerations be included in interventions. In this article, researchers from the United States offer the perspectives of providers in Uganda regarding an intervention program in which the Americans participated.