Negotiating Culture and Religious Taboos toward Maternal Health Choice and Utilization in Rural Ghana

Culture and religion are important elements that shape behavior. But how does society navigate the challenges these pose to development? This study examined the cultural significance of the religious taboo on birthing in the Mafi-Dove community in southern Ghana. Using focus groups with participants, the study examined the taboo’s impact on communication for maternal health choice and utilization, and how women navigate the risks associated with the ban in the birthing process. The findings point to masculinization of communication about the cultural significance of the taboo, resulting in women’s acquiescence to the ban as a religious necessity. Despite years of activism, the ban is still enforced. The study recommends the need for strategic religious communication that can negotiate culture to bring about the desired positive change in society

Acquiescence · Culturally appropriate · Ethnography · Focus group · Negotiation · Public health · Self-disclosure · Taboo · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Demographic Trends and Gender Preferences · Global Maternal and Child Health