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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

cultural beliefs, Indian mothers, child, first year of life, infant mortality, maternal mortality

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Abstract

Nearly a decade ago, India held one of the world’s highest rates in both infant and maternal mortality. Attention from the Indian government and the implementation of health programs have contributed to the significant improvement seen in the past ten years. While both rates have dropped substantially, maternal and infant health continue to be concerns in India. Pregnancy, delivery, and infant health complications can all be found at surprising frequencies throughout the country. While public health interventions and education campaigns strive to spread western medical methods, Indian women continue to embrace traditional practices of pregnancy and infant care. The purpose of this research project was to more fully investigate the cultural beliefs and attitudes of Indian mothers that affect the health of a child’s first year of life. Using simple interview methods, information was gathered from the women in Visakhapatnam in southern India. Women in suburban, urban, and rural areas were included in the interviews.

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