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Maternal health outcomes in rural communities continue to be a significant global health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where maternal mortality rates remain markedly high. This study investigates childbirth practices and their influence on maternal health outcomes within the Gutu Rural District Council in Zimbabwe. Guided by the Social Determinants of Health framework and the Health Belief Model, a qualitative, phenomenological approach was employed to explore the lived experiences of 12 pregnant women and 5 village health workers. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, with analysis conducted through thematic methods. The findings indicate a predominant reliance on traditional childbirth practices, limited use of skilled healthcare services, and cultural preferences such as traditional methods of placenta disposal, all of which significantly impact maternal health outcomes. These practices are shaped by socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and limited health literacy, contributing to increased risks of preventable complications and maternal mortality. The study recommends improving maternal health outcomes in rural Zimbabwe through enhanced healthcare infrastructure, culturally sensitive health education, and increased community engagement. Specific suggestions include increased government investment in rural health facilities, awareness initiatives by non-governmental organizations, and the involvement of traditional leaders in promoting safe childbirth practices.

This paper aims to explore how Traditional Healers (THs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period in Soweto, Johannesburg. Traditional healing remains a central part of maternal healthcare in South Africa, where cultural beliefs and accessibility influence women’s health-seeking behaviours. Using a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design, data were collected through key informant interviews with eight participants (five THs and three TBAs) selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns in traditional knowledge, practices, and beliefs related to maternal healthcare. Findings revealed that THs and TBAs play an essential role across the maternal care continuum. In the diagnostic phase, they identify fertility challenges, breech pregnancies, and spiritual causes of illness through ancestral guidance, bone divination, and dreams. During the antenatal period, they provide herbal remedies such as isihlambezo to cleanse and strengthen the womb and perform protective rituals against witchcraft and evil spirits. In the perinatal stage, TBAs assist with labour management, delivery, and placental expulsion using culturally informed methods. Their postnatal care includes uterine cleansing, breastfeeding support, newborn care, and follow-up home visits. These practices, grounded in indigenous knowledge systems, coexist with biomedical care and remain vital due to their cultural resonance and accessibility. The study concludes that strengthening collaboration between traditional and biomedical health systems could enhance culturally sensitive, community-based approaches to maternal healthcare in South Africa.

The involvement of families and communities in healthcare services by healthcare providers enhances accountability towards the community they serve. Guardians need to be involved in the integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) to improve child health outcomes. The study aimed to explore challenges experienced by nurses regarding the involvement of guardians in the management of childhood illnesses in the Vhembe district. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive design was followed in this study. Fifteen participants were purposefully selected for the study. One-on-one interviews following a semi-structured interview guide were conducted face-to-face with the participants. A voice recorder was used to record the interviews. Data analysis was done following Tesch's eight steps. Trustworthiness was ensured throughout the study. The study yielded two themes, namely: guardians-related challenges, which are lack of knowledge and understanding of IMCI, language barrier and lack of continuity of care and healthcare service-related challenges, which are lack of human resource, staff attitude towards the IMCI strategy, shortage of material resource and erratic water supply. For the strategy to be effective in reducing the complications of childhood illnesses and child mortality, the government needs to avail the required resources and develop measures to empower guardians in child health management.  

The purpose of this study was to assess the cultural beliefs influencing access to maternal healthcare in East Pokot Pastoral Communities, Baringo County, Kenya. The study was founded on the choice-making model and the theory of access. The research methodology was directed by the descriptive survey design. The target population was 5720 women of reproductive age between 15 and 49 years and their partners, community leaders, government health facilities administrators, traditional birth attendants and community health workers from the pastoralist communities in East Pokot in Baringo County, Kenya. A stratified purposive sampling technique included stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to sample 146 participants. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews. Using the Nvivo software, the data were coded and tracked and the findings were presented using narratives with quotations. The study found that the cultural beliefs that the community members held at times barred the women from accessing maternal healthcare services in the East Pokot sub-county.