Practice, Perception and Associated Factors of Traditional Uvulectomy Among Caregivers of Children Under Five Years Old in Keyih Tekli Wereda, Central Zone Tigray, Ethiopia
| dc.contributor.advisor | Mekonen Adimasu | |
| dc.contributor.author | Berhe Tafere | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-11-13T13:10:15Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-11-13T13:10:15Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-06-06 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Traditional uvulectomy (TU) is a widely practiced traditional procedure in many African Country, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Despite its cultural significance, the practice has been associated with adverse health consequences among children. Studies conducted in different parts of the world have reported varying levels of TU practice and identified diverse factors associated with its occurrence. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the practice, perceptions and associated factors of TU among caregivers of children under five years in Keyih Tekli Wereda. Methods: A community-based explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted from December 2025 to May 30, 2026. First, a quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out among 632 caregivers of children were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. In qualitative phase, seven participants were purposively selected and interviewed using an in-depth interview guide. Quantitative data were entered into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05 with a 95%CI. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the support of ATLAS.ti 9 software. Result: The prevalence of TU in this study was 70.9% (95% CI: 67.4%-74.4%).Being rural resident (AOR:2.44;95% CI:1.34-4.44), occupational status (AOR:6.98; 95%CI:1.74-28.04), age of caregivers (AOR:0.64;95% CI:0.44-0.94), consider uvulectomy as culturally important (AOR:0.65; 95% CI:0.45 0.92), believed that the uvula causes recurrent illness (AOR:0.62; 95% CI:0.42-0.86) were significant factors. From the qualitative data, five themes were emerged: Strong cultural belief and acceptance of traditional uvulectomy, community and social influence on uvulectomy practice, community and family influence on decision-making of TU, perceived benefits and health risks of uvulectomy and traditional practices versus modern healthcare. Conclusion and recommendation: TU were highly prevalent in the study area, with a prevalence of 70.9%. Residence, occupational status, cultural beliefs about uvulectomy, belief that the uvula causes recurrent illness, caregiver age were significantly associated with TU practice. Therefore, the findings suggest that TU remains a culturally embedded practice shaped by social, cultural and individual factors, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive interventions and community-based health education that address misconceptions to reduce its practice and promote safer child healthcare-seeking behaviors. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/9572 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa University | |
| dc.subject | Traditional uvulectomy | |
| dc.subject | under five years | |
| dc.subject | keyih tekli wereda | |
| dc.title | Practice, Perception and Associated Factors of Traditional Uvulectomy Among Caregivers of Children Under Five Years Old in Keyih Tekli Wereda, Central Zone Tigray, Ethiopia | |
| dc.type | Thesis |