Provider perspectives on Asram in Ghana
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21342825 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sharla Rent (0000-0002-8577-478X, Duke University, corresponding author), Ashura Bakari (0000-0002-2277-2365, Ghana Health Service), Gyikua Plange-Rhule, Gyikua Plange‐Rhule (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital), Yemah Bockarie (0000-0002-4473-4298, University of Cape Coast), Stephanie Kukora (0000-0002-3861-7327, University of Michigan), Cheryl A Moyer (0000-0002-5796-157X, University of Michigan) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 54 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 437-449 |
| Publication date | 2022-05-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Biosocial Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0021-9320 • E-ISSN: 1469-7599 |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1017/s0021932021000158 |
| PMID | 33866977 |
| OpenAlex | W3154852342 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 19 |
Neonatal mortality is one of the leading causes of under-five mortality globally, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, there is a belief in an array of newborn conditions, called Asram, that are thought to have a spiritual, rather than physical, cause. These conditions are predominantly managed by traditional healers as they are considered unable to be treated by allopathic medical providers. Through a series of semi-structured qualitative interviews of medical providers in Kumasi, Ghana, conducted in July–August 2018, this study sought to elucidate perspectives of allopathic medical providers about Asram , including the perceived implications of traditional newborn care patterns on newborn health and higher-level neonatal care. Twenty health care providers participated and represented a tertiary care hospital and a district hospital. Medical providers were universally aware of Asram but varied on the latitude they gave this belief system within the arena of newborn care. Some providers rationalized the existence of Asram in the backdrop of high neonatal mortality rates and long-standing belief systems. Others highlighted their frustration with Asram , citing delays in care and complications due to traditional medical treatments. Providers utilized varying approaches to bridge culture gaps with families in their care and emphasized the importance of open communication with the shared goal of improved newborn health and survival. This study describes the importance of providers being aware of socio-cultural constructs within which pregnant women operate and suggests a focus on the shared goal of timely and effective newborn care in Ghana
Business · Developing country · Economic growth · Family medicine · Focus group · Health care · Qualitative research · Sociology · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Global Maternal and Child Health · Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions · Medicine · Nursing
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Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (Coreq)
Trends and Challenges of Traditional Medicine in Africa
Grandmothers as gatekeepers? The role of grandmothers in influencing health-seeking for mothers and newborns in rural northern Ghana
Recognizing childhood illnesses and their traditional explanations
If I go with him, I can't talk with other women
Thematic networks
| Citations per year | 0.5 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2024 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |