A Study to Explore Cultural Child Rearing Practices among Women in Village Manakpura, Patiala

INTRODUCTION The child rearing practices differ in communities, depending on their social customs, traditional beliefs and prejudices which may not always be beneficial. Understanding these practices is important for the successful delivery of health messages and services. AIM The aim of the study was to assess the cultural child rearing practices among women in village Manakpur, Patiala and taking measures (pamphlet distribution) to enhance knowledge of women regarding healthy practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS This exploratory study was carried out at village Manakpura of dist. Patiala. Total 50 married women having children (0-5) yrs were selected by purposive sampling. After taking written informed consent from them the data was collected using a semistructured interview schedule. Analysis of collected data was done through descriptive statistics. REULTS 100 % women were following cultural child rearing practices where maximum (44 %) were in the age group of 25-40 years.89 % of them believed in evil eye and practiced either (24 %) black thread around the neck or (92 %) keeping iron objects under the bed sheet. Although all the subjects believed in giving colostrum to new born, however, 96 % did follow prelacteal feeding practice, only 76 % started breast feed immediately after birth, 56 % continue it till 2years and only 60 % initiated supplementary feeding at 6 months.71 % women applied oil, ghee on cord stump for early shedding of cord and to promote healing.64 %applied kajal in the eyes of child. All the subjects believed in immunization& toilet training of child.90 % consulted doctor for childs sufferings like cough, cold, fever and 20 % believe in religious remedies for measles/chickenpox treatments. CONCLUSION Different cultures have different child rearing practices, customs and beliefs which affect the upbringing of child. Healthy child rearing practices must be emphasized and faulty practices needs to be corrected by educating the people.