ArticleBMC pediatrics2020
"The cord is the child": meanings and practices related to umbilical cord care in Central Uganda.
Article in BMC pediatrics, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 10 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
10 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 18 citations in OpenAlex.
- The value of qualitative research in randomized controlled trials involving drugs and medical devices: a systematic mapping review.International journal of technology assessment in health care · 2026Pooled it
- Women's perceptions of midwifery continuity of care provided by bachelor of midwifery students from a public university in Northern Uganda: a descriptive qualitative study.BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2026Article
- Prevalence and factors associated with poor umbilical cord care among postpartum mothers in South Western Uganda: a cross sectional study.BMC pediatrics · 2025Article
- Traditional care practices known and/or used by different ethnic groups for newborns during the postpartum period.BMC public health · 2025Article
- Incidence and risk factors for clinical omphalitis among neonates in Eastern Uganda using chlorhexidine gel for cord care: a community-cohort study.BMC pediatrics · 2025Article
- Article
- Cultural patterns and outcome of umbilical cord care among caregivers in Africa: a systematic review.Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) · 2023Article
- Perceptions, beliefs, and current practices regarding neonatal skin care and emollient use in eastern Uganda: a qualitative study.BMC pediatrics · 2023Article
- Sociocultural practices, beliefs, and myths surrounding newborn cord care in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: A qualitative study.PLOS global public health · 2023Article
- "Do not detach the placenta from my baby's cord" - Lotus birth case series from Tanzania tertiary hospital.International journal of surgery case reports · 2022Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors at 2 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundInfections account for a quarter of all newborn deaths and the umbilical cord has been identified as a major route of newborn infections.
objectiveTo explore the meanings and practices related to the umbilical cord among caretakers of newborns in central Uganda.
methodsThis was a qualitative study, designed to inform the design, and interpretation of a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of chlorhexidine use for the umbilical cord. We conducted 22 in-depth interviews exploring umbilical cord care practices among ten mothers, four health workers, five traditional birth attendants, and three men. We also conducted three focus group discussions with young mothers and elderly women. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze our findings and we borrow upon Mary Douglas' concepts of dirt to present our findings.
resultsThe umbilical cord had a symbolic position in newborn care. The way it was perceived and handled had far reaching consequences for the survival and wellbeing of the baby. The umbilical cord was a centre of anxiety, a possible gate to illness, a test of fatherhood and a signifier of parental responsibility. Hence, the umbilical cord and the way it was cared for played a part in the present and future survival of the baby, as well as the survival and wellbeing of the household. Persons other than the mother such as older female relatives were very influential in the care of the umbilical cord.
conclusionsThe umbilical cord carried symbolic meanings, which extended beyond the newborn and the newborn period, and in turn influenced the various practices of umbilical cord care. The important position of the cord in local newborn care practices should be recognized and taken into consideration when scaling up newborn care interventions in the country.
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