"The cord is the child": meanings and practices related to umbilical cord care in Central Uganda.

BMC Pediatrics
David MukunyaKaren Marie Moland

Abstract

Infections account for a quarter of all newborn deaths and the umbilical cord has been identified as a major route of newborn infections. To explore the meanings and practices related to the umbilical cord among caretakers of newborns in central Uganda. This was a qualitative study, designed to inform the design, and interpretation of a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of chlorhexidine use for the umbilical cord. We conducted 22 in-depth interviews exploring umbilical cord care practices among ten mothers, four health workers, five traditional birth attendants, and three men. We also conducted three focus group discussions with young mothers and elderly women. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze our findings and we borrow upon Mary Douglas' concepts of dirt to present our findings. The umbilical cord had a symbolic position in newborn care. The way it was perceived and handled had far reaching consequences for the survival and wellbeing of the baby. The umbilical cord was a centre of anxiety, a possible gate to illness, a test of fatherhood and a signifier of parental responsibility. Hence, the umbilical cord and the way it was cared for played a part in the present and future survival of the ...Continue Reading

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