Abstract:
The number of cases of neonatal sepsis seems to be on the increase in Dar es Salaam
municipal hospitals. Previous studies indicate that the contribution of socio-cultural factors in
increasing the number of neonatal sepsis in Dar es Salaam has not been addressed. The
objectives of this study were (i) to determine the socio-cultural factors associated with the
increase in neonatal sepsis, (ii) to determine the local health practices and beliefs associated
with increased risk of contracting neonatal sepsis, and (iii) to determine awareness and
practices of mothers on neonatal sepsis in Dar es Salaam municipal hospitals.
The study design was cross sectional study and 196 mothers/caretakers of the newborn babies
from three municipal council hospitals (i.e. Mwananyamala Hospital, Temeke Hospital and
Amana Hospital) were interviewed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire
consisting of open and closed ended questions for the period of two weeks. The study has
shown that there are socio-cultural factors that contribute towards increased risk of contracting
neonatal sepsis. These social-cultural factors include preference of seeking medical care from
traditional healers, local health practices and beliefs.
It is recommended that traditional healers should educate and advise mothers to take their
newborn babies to modern health facilities. It is also recommended that sufficient supplies of
drugs and cord clamps be provided for cord care to avoid the use of alternative methods and
traditional drugs.
