Understanding the Intersection between Midwives’ Culture, Educational Background and Community Practice in Neonatal Jaundice Care in Ghana: A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

Abstract Culture plays a crucial role in health; family, community, culture, and social conventions all have a significant impact on how an infant with jaundice is treated. Written or unwritten rules govern what parents and the community are allowed to do, which may have a detrimental effect on the neonate’s care. Objectives The study explored how social expectations affect midwives’ management of neonatal jaundice at the St Patrick’s hospital in Maase-Offinso, in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Method A total of seventeen midwives were sampled purposively using an exploratory descriptive design. Participants were engaged in interviews and focus group discussion after ethical approval was obtained. A semi-structured focus group discussion guide and interview guide was used to collect data. Results The study discovered that the treatment of neonatal jaundice was adversely affected by social pressures, misconceptions, maternal choices, and spiritual views. Mothers and midwives socially approved sunbathing, and there were indications that grandmothers disapproved hospital care for their grandchildren. Conclusion Culture, family and social norms cannot be separated from health especially for the neonate whose means of identification is to belong to a family. Consequently, it is essential to respond to social influences, cultural conventions, and the various cultures of families with a culturally sensitive approach.