Women's Perceptions on Newborn Care Practices, Knowledge Sources, Benefits, and Challenges in Rural Northern Jordan:...

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Anthropology

Background:

• Cultural diversity in newborn care practices worldwide.
• Potential health risks associated with some traditional newborn care customs.
• Need to understand local perspectives on newborn care in Northern Jordan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine rural Jordanian women's perceptions of newborn care practices.
• To identify sources of knowledge, benefits, and challenges in traditional newborn care.
• To explore the cultural context of infant care in Northern Jordan.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study design.
• In-depth semi-structured interviews with twelve women (aged 22-60) in Kufr Som village, Northern Jordan.
• Thematic analysis of transcribed interview data.

Main Results:

• Nine themes emerged, including thermal protection, bathing, umbilical cord care, and feeding rites.
• Knowledge sources identified: intergenerational transmission and social influence.
• Perceived benefits (spiritual safeguarding, health protection) and challenges (conflict with modern care) of traditional practices.

Conclusions:

• Newborn care practices in Northern Jordan are deeply embedded in cultural traditions.
• Evidence-based strategies are necessary to enhance existing practices.
• Improving neonatal care outcomes requires integrating traditional and modern approaches.