Cultural Beliefs and Reproductive Health decision making of mothers at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital: An Ethnographic Study

Abstract

Reproductive health decision-making is among the critical components of women's health which directly influences maternal and child well-being, family stability, and the health of the broader community. Reproductive health remains one of the major public health concerns worldwide, and according to Gipson et al. (2022), cultural beliefs and social norms have a very strong influence on the decisions made by women in regard to family planning, antenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum practices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), cultural practices generally interact with access to healthcare services and contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes across regions.