Cultural Influences on Maternal and Child Health in Singkil District, Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Maternal and child health (MCH) mortality continues to be a serious problem worldwide. Most maternal deaths occur in developing countries especially in rural areas; the majority of child health challenges occur in the first five years of life. Aceh province has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in Indonesia. The Singkil district in this area has cultural influences that affect MCH. Called Badapu practices, these include food and water restriction for post-partum women, and restriction to small, smoke-filled rooms to ensure their bodies stay warm and fresh. Negative impacts of these cultural practices are malnutrition, anemia, and reduced breast milk production in post-partum women; reduced growth and development, and high risk for respiratory tract infection for babies. All of these contribute to mortality and morbidity. Addressing these cultural practices is necessary to improve maternal and child health. Stakeholders should consider collaboration in Badapu with shamans and midwives to negotiate positive behavioral change.