Superstitions in pediatric illnesses among rural mothers
Taneja, D.K.; Singhal, P.K.; Dhawan, S.
Indian Pediatrics 25(5): 447-452
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3229814 Document Number: 324042
A total of 500 women belonging to rural population of Delhi were studied for their beliefs and practices in some common illnesses. Common superstitions were devil (29.4%) or magic (15.2%) to be cause of convulsions, wrath of God (39.0%) for measles, bad water for ear discharge (17.0%) and skin infections (38.0%). However, 46.2% mothers were aware of the scientific cause of tetanus. In cases of convulsions and measles, worship of God (46.0 and 18.2%, respectively) and 'Jhar Funk' (10.8 and 12.4%, respectively) were the common practices. Bathing in pond for treating jaundiced patients was practiced by 13.4% mothers. Home remedies were mainly tried in cases of convulsions (32.6%), measles (33.4%), skin infections (35.0%) and ear discharge (29.2%). More than half of mothers consulted doctors and gave normal food during illnesses. Superstitious beliefs and practices were significantly higher in scheduled castes, joint families, illiterate mothers and those with family incomes