Prevalence of harmful traditional practices among mothers of under five children in Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia, and associated risk factors

Harmful traditional practices remain a major global public health concern. These practices violate human rights and negatively impact the health and well-being of community members, especially women and children. However, in the current study area, there is a lack of comprehensive research and up-to-date data specifically focusing on harmful traditional practices affecting children. To assess the Prevalence of harmful traditional practices among mothers of under five children in Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia, and associated risk factors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dire Dawa from October 2nd to November 10th, 2023, involving 845 mothers with children under five years of age. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, followed by a systematic random sampling method to select the study participants. Data were collected using KoboCollect, then exported, cleaned, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between dependent and independent variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Approximately one-third of mothers, 246 (29.5%; 95% CI: 26.3–32.7%), reported practicing at least one harmful traditional practice (HTP) on their children. The most commonly reported HTPs included uvula cutting, anal perforation, and traditional male circumcision. Significant factors associated with the practice of HTPs included maternal age, occupation, history of undergoing HTPs themselves, utilization of postnatal care services, and receiving counseling on HTPs during the antenatal period. Despite ongoing efforts, nearly one-third of mothers continued to practice at least one harmful traditional practice on their children. To address this issue, healthcare providers should consistently deliver targeted information on the adverse effects of harmful traditional practices during both antenatal and postnatal care visits. Additionally, raising community awareness about the negative consequences of these practices on children’s health may help reduce their prevalence.