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Provider perspectives on Asram in Ghana

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 April 2021

Sharla Rent Open the ORCID record for Sharla Rent [Opens in a new window] ,
Ashura Bakari ,
Gyikua Plange-Rhule ,
Yemah Bockarie ,
Stephanie Kukora  and
Cheryl A. Moyer Open the ORCID record for Cheryl A. Moyer [Opens in a new window]
Sharla Rent*
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
Ashura Bakari
Affiliation:
Suntreso Government Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Kumasi, Ghana
Gyikua Plange-Rhule
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Yemah Bockarie
Affiliation:
Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
Stephanie Kukora
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Cheryl A. Moyer
Affiliation:
Departments of Learning Health Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
*
*Corresponding author. Email: sharla.rent@duke.edu
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Abstract

Neonatal mortality is one of the leading causes of under-five mortality globally, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, there is a belief in an array of newborn conditions, called Asram, that are thought to have a spiritual, rather than physical, cause. These conditions are predominantly managed by traditional healers as they are considered unable to be treated by allopathic medical providers. Through a series of semi-structured qualitative interviews of medical providers in Kumasi, Ghana, conducted in July–August 2018, this study sought to elucidate perspectives of allopathic medical providers about Asram, including the perceived implications of traditional newborn care patterns on newborn health and higher-level neonatal care. Twenty health care providers participated and represented a tertiary care hospital and a district hospital. Medical providers were universally aware of Asram but varied on the latitude they gave this belief system within the arena of newborn care. Some providers rationalized the existence of Asram in the backdrop of high neonatal mortality rates and long-standing belief systems. Others highlighted their frustration with Asram, citing delays in care and complications due to traditional medical treatments. Providers utilized varying approaches to bridge culture gaps with families in their care and emphasized the importance of open communication with the shared goal of improved newborn health and survival. This study describes the importance of providers being aware of socio-cultural constructs within which pregnant women operate and suggests a focus on the shared goal of timely and effective newborn care in Ghana.

Keywords

Global HealthNewborn HealthGhana
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 54 , Issue 3 , May 2022 , pp. 437 - 449
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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