Pregnancy-related Cultural Beliefs and Adherence among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Centres in Uturu, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is often shaped by culturally transmitted superstitious beliefs that may influence maternal health behaviours and outcomes. In many communities, these beliefs persist alongside modern healthcare and may contribute to nutritional restrictions and delayed care-seeking. Although such practices have been documented in Nigeria, empirical data specific to Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State, remain limited, thereby constraining the design of targeted local maternal health interventions. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the types, sources, and extent of adherence to pregnancy-related superstitious beliefs among pregnant women in Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State, Nigeria, and to examine their relationship with formal maternal healthcare utilization. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at selected primary health centres in Uturu. Participants were recruited through a two-stage process involving purposive facility selection and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Awareness of pregnancy-related superstitious beliefs was high, with the most commonly reported beliefs being non-disclosure of pregnancy until it becomes obvious (75.0%) and avoidance of pineapple/papaya to prevent miscarriage (73.1%). Adherence was lower than awareness across most beliefs, with 54.5% practising non-disclosure and 52.3% avoiding pineapple/papaya. Mothers (26.4%) and mothers-in-law (19.8%) were the primary sources of these beliefs. Overall, 50.0% of respondents demonstrated moderate adherence, while 49.3% showed low adherence. No socio-demographic or obstetric factor was significantly associated with adherence level. However, adherence level was significantly associated with the number of antenatal care visits attended (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Pregnancy-related superstitious beliefs are widely known but selectively practised among pregnant women in Uturu. The findings suggest that cultural beliefs and biomedical healthcare utilization may coexist rather than operate in direct opposition. Maternal health interventions should therefore engage influential family members and address culturally rooted beliefs in a respectful manner while promoting evidence-based antenatal care.