Paternal grandmothers’ attitudes and beliefs toward newborn care practices in rural Ghana

BACKGROUND: Newborn care practices, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Ghana, are influenced by the traditional caregiving roles held by family members, particularly grandmothers. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used to explore and describe the attitudes and beliefs associated with newborn care practices among grandmothers in rural Ghana. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used in this study. Data were purposively collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 grandmothers in Daboya, Ghana, who cared for newborns. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase method. RESULTS: The study explored two key themes: grandmothers' attitudes and societal norms towards newborn care practices. A mix of positive, negative, and uncertain attitudes was found among the grandmothers. Many confidently used herbal remedies and immediate bathing based on personal experience, while some rejected harmful practices such as tribal marking and force-feeding. Others combine home care with modern medicine. Strong beliefs about colostrum, pre-lacteal feeds, and infant seclusion, along with a focus on spirituality in protection and naming, reflect the influence of traditional norms and family customs that have been passed down through generations. CONCLUSION: This study explored grandmothers' attitudes toward newborn care, revealing diverse views. Traditional norms and family customs have significantly influenced newborn care practices across generations. Future research should examine the influence of grandparents on newborn care to promote effective practices and safely blend them with modern healthcare for better outcomes.