Uga Abigail
Special Care Baby Unit,
Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi,
Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the influence of cultural practices and antenatal attendance on
neonatal mortality among women attending antenatal care at the Federal Medical
TCentre, Makurdi. The study employed a survey design. The population comprised
334 pregnant women receiving antenatal care during the study period and the entire
population was sampled. Data were collected through a structured, self-developed instrument titled Influence of Cultural Practices and Antenatal Attendance on Neonatal Mortality Questionnaire (ICPAAONMQ). Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while chi-square was used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that prevalent cultural practices have a significant impact on antenatal attendance patterns among women at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi- ÷²(df = 3) = 45.12, p = 0.000 < 0.05. The study also found that antenatal attendance patterns have a significant impact on neonatal mortality rates, among women at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi,
÷²(df = 3) = 49.64, p = 0.000 < 0.05.The study concluded that cultural practices are highly prevalent and have a significant influence on antenatal attendance patterns, among women at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi and that irregular antenatal attendance significantly contributes to higher neonatal mortality rates, as women who miss or delay visits are less likely to receive timely medical interventions in line with the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made to reduce neonatal mortality and improve antenatal attendance: Health authorities and hospital administrators should intensify community-based health education campaigns that address harmful cultural practices and promote the benefits of early and regular antenatal care. Policy makers and the Federal Ministry of Health should
develop culturally sensitive maternal health programs that integrate respected community
leaders and traditional birth attendants to encourage hospital-based care.
Keywords– Cultural practices, Antenatal attendance and Neonatal mortality