Abstract

Traditional uvulectomy is a surgical procedure in which the total or partial part of the uvula is removed by traditional surgeons. Traditional uvulectomy is widely practiced in some African countries such as Nigeria, in northern part of Nigeria particularly the hausa speaking areas, traditional uvulectomy is widely practice especially with the vulnerable children mostly neonates, such practice usually take place at first week of life, which may be associated with life threatening complications. The objectives of the study is to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of traditional uvulectomy, to assess the complications arising from the procedure and where they are managed and to find out possible ways of preventing the traditional uvulectomy practice. a cross sectional study was conducted to assess the determinants of traditional uvulectomy among 150 mothers selected by multi stage sampling from 25 March to 1 April at Ungogo Local Government Kano State. A set of administered questionnaire with translation into hausa by the researcher and assistants was used to collect data on research variables. The data was analysed using frequency and percentages. Most of the respondents were Hausa 60%, Married 70%, Housewife 60% aged range from 26-35 years. Majority of the respondents have idea about uvula 80%, Majority of the respondents believed bleeding is one of the complications of traditional uvulectomy practice 90%, fever 70%, nasal regurgitation 70% they don\'t know and most of the respondents seek their management at health facilities 90%, home 90% and traditional uvulectomist 67% and 70% of the respondents strongly agreed that traditional uvuluvulectomy practice can be prevented through health education 70% agreed can be prevented through Community participation and 70% also through community engagement and involvement and 50% of the respondents agreed that using setting controlling mechanisms for the health care delivery system can be used to prevents traditional uvulectomy practice. This study revealed that there is so many complications arising as a result of traditional uvulectomy practice, and possible ways are found to prevents the procedure mostly through health education and community mobilizations. The government should organizes massive campaigns aimed at discouraging the practice of traditional uvulectomy to the community through media, at home visits and should assist with funding of programs in training and provides the barbers with cleansing agents for disinfecting their equipments.