Harmful Cultural Practices: Parents Perceived Effects of Traditional Uvulectomy On The under-five-children In Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction/Background: Removing the uvula is called uvulectomy, the procedure can be viewed from two ways. As part of the western medicine to address condition like snoring, when it is medically acceptable treatment, but as part of traditional medicine to cure illnesses such as sore throat where it is considered dangerous. Methodology This research adopted cross-sectional descriptive design, using 133 sample size, using Yamane sample size determination, and systematic sampling technique was used to select the respondents out of which only 80 returned their instruments, self design questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.75 was used to collect data, and data collected were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Results The demographic variable showed that majority of children were within the age bracket of 0-12 months 55 (68.8%) out of which 49(61.3%) were males, and Hausa tribes 47(58.8%) were more than Fulani 30 (41.2%) as respondents. 72 (90%) of mothers agreed that their children had experienced traditional uvulectomy as against 08(10%) that did not experience it. The reason for the practice was cultural 56 (77.8%) of respondents affirmed this. Majority of the children 42(52.5%) had the procedure carried out by traditional barbers. Majority of children experienced bleeding, infection and stunted growth after the procedure. Conclusion It was conclude that strategy must be put in place to eliminate traditional uvulectomy because of its adverse effects.