Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics

Niger J Paed 2015; 42 (2):151 -153
CASE REPORTS Harmful traditional practices in a newborn: A case report
Peterside O Duru CO Anene N DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njp.v42i2.16 Accepted: 17th November 2014 Peterside O Duru CO, Anene N Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Email: docolyemen@yahoo.com	Abstract: Ninetynine percent of the nearly four million newborn deaths occur in developing countries with newborn deaths remaining relatively invisible and neglected¹. In these countries, traditional attitudes and practices dominate newborn care and are often harzadous². As most births and newborn deaths in developing countries occur outside health care facilities, a reduction in neonatal mortality may depend significantly on interventions involving adaptation of traditional care behaviours practiced at home³. However, despite the importance of traditional practices in the newborn period, little is known about the impact of these practices on newborn health². We herein present a case of an eighteen day old female who was rushed to the hospital with severe wasting, recto-vaginal prolapse and septic umbilical cord resulting from repeated traditional homecare practices by her mother and grandmother. This case highlights the impact of harmful traditional home care practices on newborn health and emphasizes the urgent need for public enlightenment campaigns and other policy decisions and interventions aimed at reducing this societal menace. Keywords: Harmful traditional practices, newborn, neonatal morbidity, neonatal mortality