Abstract
Background and objectives
Traditional cranial molding is an ancient practice prevalent in Ghana. In this work, we aimed at assessing mothers’/caregivers’ perspective and their knowledge on potential harm of cranial molding on neonates.
Methods
Two hundred and one (201) nursing mothers with babies aged 1–12 months were sampled in a cross-sectional study using questionnaires. We assessed the mothers’/caregivers’ reasons for cranial molding, their perceived benefits of this practice, and their knowledge about the potential harm this practice pose to babies.
Results
Sixty four percent (64%) of mothers confirmed they practice cranial molding on their babies either on their own or through the assistance of a caretaker. However, 72% of all mothers/caregivers did not know this practice has the potential to harm the baby in any way. Mothers’/caregivers’ reasons for this practice included the following: to achieve a more “beautiful” head shape, hasten the healing of the fontanelle, and limit head growth. There was a significant association between the mothers’/caregivers’ level of education and the practice of cranial molding (p value < 0.05). However, there was no association between head symmetry and cranial molding (p value > 0.05).
Conclusions and implications
Majority of mothers/caregivers were actively engaged in cranial molding on neonates but remain ignorant about the potential harm this practice could have on their babies. Mothers/caregivers therefore need to be educated about the potential harm posed by traditional cranial molding on neonates.
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Acknowledgments
We thank all national service persons at the Department of Physiology and the nurses of the Pediatric Unit at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital who helped us during data collection. We also thank Mr. Isaac Boating of the Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, for helping us to correct typos and making figures.
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Lay summary
In Ghana, most mothers mold their babies’ head traditionally from birth until 1 year after birth, for various reasons which we set out to identify. We found that the main reasons for this practice are as follows: achieve a more “beautiful” head shape, “hasten” “healing” of fontanelle, and limit head growth.
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Djankpa, F.T., Ulanja, M.B., Ola, E. et al. Cranial molding on neonates in Ghana: mothers’ perspective and their knowledge on potential harm to babies’ brain. Childs Nerv Syst 37, 1703–1711 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-020-05001-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-020-05001-x