The culture of caring for low birth weight infants at home after treatment: An ethnographic study from Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Caring for low birth weight (LBW) babies is a challenge for parents, especially after being discharged from the hospital, to continue the care provided by professional nurses. Culture can influence how parents behave and decide to keep babies healthy. Purpose: This study examined the culture that influences mothers in Aceh, Indonesia, to care for LBW infants at home following hospital treatment. Methods: This study used an ethnographic design that involved ten participants consisting of mothers who had an LBW infant after receiving hospital care, a grandmother, a midwife, and health cadres. The data were collected using focus group discussion (FGD). FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The finding revealed three themes associated with cultural practices influencing mothers to care for LBW infants at home following treatment: (1) mothers are not the only caregivers, (2) traditions to safeguard family members, and (3) the dilemma between obeying medical advice or their grandmother’s commands. Conclusion: Culture substantially impacts a mother’s decision-making, mainly when she and her infant are ill. For traditions and health advice to coexist, sufficient support is required.