Socio-cultural factors that influence child survival in Nyang'oma sub-location, Bondo district

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Periodical article

Title:	Socio-cultural factors that influence child survival in Nyang'oma sub-location, Bondo district
Author:	Ouma, Jerusha Akoth
Year:	2006
Periodical:	Mila: a Journal of the Institute of African Studies
Volume:	7
Pages:	41-48
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Kenya East Africa
Subjects:	diseases child mortality popular beliefs Luo Medicine, Nutrition, Public Health Child health services Children--Mortality Luo (Kenyan and Tanzanian people)
Abstract:	This paper examines sociocultural factors affecting child survival in Nyang'oma sublocation, Bondo district, Kenya. Specifically, the paper investigates how mothers' perceptions of common childhood diseases (malaria, measles and diarrhoea) and diseases associated with 'chira' (diseases related mostly to the transgression of principles governing sexuality and/or seniority) and the evil eye influence child survival in the district. The paper is based on data from group discussions, interviews, surveys, narratives and observation. It shows that practices associated with the cultural concept of 'chira' lower children's chances of survival through delayed treatment. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]