Management of ‘Asram’ in Adamorobe in the Akwapim South District.

Abstract

Reduction in neonatal mortality has been steadily slow in most African countries including Ghana and remains a public health concern. ―Asram‖, a locally known neonatal disease among the Akan speaking communities in Ghana has been identified as a major cause of neonatal mortality. Generally, this thesis sought to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of ‗asram‘ and how it is managed among families in Adamorobe in the Akwapim South District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study specifically sought to ascertain how mothers and caregivers described ‗asram‘- its indicators, beliefs and perceptions associated with the causes, treatment regimens and finally interrogated the healthcare seeking behavior of mothers and caregivers. Employing the sequential exploratory mixed methods approach, face- to- face interviews were first conducted with mothers and caregivers with ‗asram‘ specific cases and focus group discussions. Some key informant interviews were also conducted with traditional healers, traditional birth attendants all in the study community and orthodox/ allopathic health practitioners from the community CHPS compound and referral hospitals. The study revealed that ‗asram‘ was well known among the respondents as a major newborn disease which was categorized into different types: ‗asram borededwo‘- malnutrition and ‗asram abosomakotre‘- pale/ anaemic. In addition, majority of the respondents strongly perceived ‗asram‘ to be spiritually caused, whilst others taught otherwise, that is natural and both natural and supernatural which differs from that of Murdock‘s who believe the causes of illness are either natural or supernatural. It will be interesting to bring in sync local perceptions and orthodox perceptions as to what the causes of ‗asram‘ are, and best to treat and manage newborns with ‗asram‘ in the rural communities to ensure their survival.