Investigate The Effects Of Harmful Cultural Practice On The Health Of The People Of Biase Local Government Area Of Cross River State
[A CASE STUDY OF IKUN]

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Cultural practices have evolved from indigenous knowledge and it practice preceded all allopathic or modern medicine throughout the world. Stimulated by instinct, taste and experience, early man and women treated illness by using plants, animal parts and minerals.

In developing country like Nigeria, studies have shown that over 70% of the populace stills depend on traditional medicine in one form or the other source. Despite the long existing history of most of the cultural practices, the lack of proper organization has deprived it of a lot of credibility, acceptability and respect it deserved in the past few years.

The cultural practices of the people not only affect their health but also affect all aspect of life including social relationships, contribution to societal, functioning and disease condition. Man living in an interactive society is affected by what happens in his environment and how he reacts to it. All people no matter their race have their beliefs and practices concerning health and diseases. Each society or community has its peculiar way of doing things and this practices go a long way in influencing the people’s perception,  attitudes and behavior in the management of disease and health related problems that befall them (WHO 2007). Some of these cultural practices, which have endured centuries of practice work for the people. It is not uncommon to think of something crude and bad whenever one talks about cultural practices as it concerns health. Not all cultural practices are bad. However, some have stood the test of time and have positive values. Others are uncertain and negatively harmful. It is essential to have an ideal about culture practices of some communities because the cultural practice a community adopts fulfils certain purposes of the cultural bearers (Idehen, 2007).

Cultural beliefs and practices have a considerable influence on the health behaviour of Nigerians in spite of the numerous campaigns; awareness etc. carried out by government and other public and private organizations. Infant mortality is closely tied to several cultural practices inherent in Cross River State. According to Ekong (1988), in Nigeria life is regarded as a continuous interaction between the sacred and the profane. A number of cultural practices adopted by pregnant mothers and carried over to their children after deliveries, results in infant mortality. Supporting this assertion, Ihejiamaizu (2002) observed that maternal and child health are inseparable. Whatever affects the mother’s health invariably affects the child. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The need for research on harmful cultural practices is crucial due to several significant reasons:

Public Health Impact:

Harmful cultural practices can have severe consequences on public health, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Research is necessary to understand the extent of these health impacts and develop effective strategies for prevention and intervention.

Human Rights and Dignity:

Many harmful cultural practices violate fundamental human rights and undermine individual dignity. Research can help in identifying instances of abuse, exploitation, or discrimination, providing evidence to advocate for human rights protections and legal interventions.

Cultural Sensitivity and Understanding:

In-depth research can foster a better understanding of the cultural context surrounding these practices. This understanding is essential for developing culturally sensitive interventions that respect the diversity of traditions while addressing harmful aspects.

Gender Equality and Women's Rights:

Harmful cultural practices often disproportionately affect women and girls. Research can shed light on the gender dynamics involved, contributing to the development of policies and programs aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies:

Research findings can inform the development of evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. These strategies can be tailored to specific cultural contexts, promoting community engagement and participation in efforts to eliminate or modify harmful practices.

Health Education and Awareness:

Conducting research can contribute to raising awareness about the health consequences of harmful cultural practices. Education initiatives informed by research findings can empower communities to make informed decisions about their cultural practices, fostering positive changes.

Policy Development and Implementation:

Robust research provides the foundation for the development of policies addressing harmful cultural practices. Policymakers can use evidence-based recommendations to create legal frameworks that protect individuals while respecting cultural diversity.

Community Empowerment:

Research can empower communities by involving them in the identification and understanding of harmful cultural practices. Engaging communities in the research process fosters a sense of ownership and agency, making interventions more effective and sustainable.

Global Health Equity:

As cultural practices can transcend borders, understanding the global implications of harmful practices is crucial for promoting health equity on a broader scale. Research can contribute to international collaborations and initiatives aimed at addressing these issues globally.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

Research on harmful cultural practices often requires collaboration between various disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, public health, law, and psychology. Such interdisciplinary efforts are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the issue and the development of holistic solutions.

In summary, research on harmful cultural practices is essential for addressing public health challenges, upholding human rights, fostering cultural sensitivity, and promoting positive societal changes. It serves as a critical tool for developing informed and effective strategies that contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of a study investigating the effects of harmful cultural practices would typically encompass a range of dimensions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Here are potential objectives for such a study:

(i) to identify and document specific cultural practices deemed harmful within the targeted community

(ii) to investigate the direct physical health consequences of harmful cultural practices, including injuries, illnesses, and long-term health conditions

(iii) to examine the psychological impact of harmful cultural practices, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues

(iv) to evaluate how harmful cultural practices influence social relationships, community dynamics, and the potential for social exclusion or stigma

1.4 Research Questions

 (i) What are the specific cultural practices deemed harmful within the targeted community?

(ii) What are the direct physical health consequences of harmful cultural practices, including injuries, illnesses, and long-term health conditions?

(iii) What is the psychological impact of harmful cultural practices, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues?

(iv) How does harmful cultural practices influence social relationships, community dynamics, and the potential for social exclusion or stigma?

1.5 Scope of the Study

The scope of the study on the effects of harmful cultural practices on the health of the people of Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, using Ikun as a case study, will be defined by several key parameters:

Geographical Scope:

The study will focus specifically on Biase Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria, with Ikun serving as the primary case study community. This geographical limitation ensures a targeted and in-depth analysis of a specific cultural context.

Cultural Practices Selection:

The research will concentrate on identifying and analyzing specific harmful cultural practices prevalent in the Ikun community. This may include practices related to traditional rites, gender roles, reproductive health, and other cultural norms impacting health.

Demographic Focus:

The study will consider the entire population of Ikun, encompassing individuals of various age groups, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds. This approach ensures a comprehensive examination of the diverse effects of harmful cultural practices on health.

Health Parameters:

The research will investigate both physical and mental health aspects. Physical health parameters may include incidences of injuries, prevalence of diseases, and reproductive health outcomes. Mental health parameters may include stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma associated with harmful cultural practices.

Social Dynamics:

The study will explore the impact of harmful cultural practices on social relationships, community cohesion, and potential social exclusion within the Ikun community.

Generational Transmission:

The research will investigate how harmful cultural practices are transmitted from one generation to another within the Ikun community, examining cultural, familial, and societal factors influencing transmission.

Community Perception and Awareness:

The study will assess the perception of harmful cultural practices within the Ikun community, including levels of awareness, attitudes, and beliefs. This information is crucial for understanding the community's stance on these practices.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

Legal and ethical dimensions surrounding harmful cultural practices will be explored within the context of Ikun. This includes examining the alignment or misalignment of these practices with existing legal frameworks and ethical standards.

Potential Interventions:

The research will propose culturally sensitive interventions and strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of harmful cultural practices on health in Ikun. Recommendations will be tailored to the specific cultural context of the community.

Interdisciplinary Approach:

The study will adopt an interdisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders. This approach aims to provide a holistic understanding and facilitate the development of comprehensive solutions.

Temporal Scope:

The research will cover a specified time frame, ensuring that data collected reflects the current status of harmful cultural practices and their effects on health in Ikun.

It is essential to note that the study will not address every cultural practice in Biase Local Government Area but will focus specifically on Ikun as a representative case study. The scope is designed to provide detailed insights into the selected community's unique cultural dynamics and their impact on health.

While conducting research on the effects of harmful cultural practices on the health of the people of Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, using Ikun as a case study, certain limitations may be encountered. These limitations could impact the generalizability and depth of the study. Here are some potential limitations:

Generalization:

Findings from the study may be specific to the cultural and social context of Ikun and may not be entirely representative of other communities within Biase Local Government Area or Cross River State. Generalizing the results to a broader population should be done cautiously.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Some harmful cultural practices may be deeply rooted in cultural traditions, and discussing them may be sensitive. This could potentially lead to underreporting of certain practices, particularly if participants feel uncomfortable disclosing information.

Availability of Data:

Availability of accurate and comprehensive historical and health data, especially regarding harmful cultural practices, might be limited. This could impact the depth of the analysis and understanding of the long-term effects of these practices.

Resource Constraints:

The study's scope and depth could be limited by financial and logistical constraints. Adequate resources for extensive fieldwork, interviews, and data collection may not be available, affecting the comprehensiveness of the research.

Temporal Constraints:

The study's findings are limited to the specific time frame during which data is collected. Cultural practices and health dynamics may evolve over time, and the study may not capture changes beyond its temporal scope.

Language Barriers:

Language differences between researchers and participants may present challenges in accurate data collection and interpretation. Translators may be needed, introducing the potential for misinterpretation or loss of nuance.

Ethical Considerations:

The study may face ethical challenges due to the sensitive nature of harmful cultural practices. Ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of participants while obtaining truthful and accurate information may be challenging.

Subjectivity in Perceptions:

Participants' perceptions of what constitutes a harmful cultural practice may vary, introducing subjectivity into the study. This could impact the consistency and reliability of the data.

Community Dynamics:

Community dynamics, power structures, or political influences within Ikun may impact the research process. Understanding and navigating these dynamics can be challenging and may influence the openness of community members to participate in the study.

Access to Healthcare Records:

Limited access to healthcare records may constrain the ability to correlate reported health effects with documented medical conditions. This limitation may affect the accuracy of health-related findings.

External Influences:

External factors, such as economic changes or regional policies, could influence the prevalence and continuation of harmful cultural practices. These external influences may not be fully accounted for in the study.