Traditional uvulectomy among caregivers of children under five: a mixed methods community based study
1
SDG Alliance, Yola, Nigeria
2
Society for Family Health, Kano, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Traditional uvulectomy is practiced in parts of Nigeria based on the belief that the uvula causes common childhood problems such as persistent cough, sore throat, feeding difficulties, vomiting, or choking. Some caregivers also believe it prevents future throat infections or sudden death in infants. There is no medical evidence to support these beliefs. The procedure is often performed outside clinical settings using non-sterile instruments, which can lead to bleeding, infection, anemia, and severe illness. This study examined the prevalence, motivations, and health outcomes of traditional uvulectomy among caregivers of children under five years.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods study was conducted between April-June 2025 in two rural communities in Kano State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 200 caregivers of children under five years to assess awareness of uvulectomy, prior practice, decision influences, and reported complications. In parallel, six focus group discussions and twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers and influential family members to explore beliefs and experiences. Quantitative data were summarized using simple counts. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
RESULTS:
Out of 200 caregivers, 176 had heard of traditional uvulectomy. Seventy-two reported that at least one child in their household had undergone the procedure. Among these children, 46 experienced one or more complications. Reported problems included excessive bleeding (21 cases), feeding difficulties (31 cases), and emergency hospital visits (14 cases). Decisions were influenced by elders or traditional healers in 38 households. Qualitative findings showed that caregivers viewed the practice as an act of care, driven by fear of illness worsening, pressure from family members, and past difficulties accessing health services.
CONCLUSIONS:
Traditional uvulectomy is a preventable cause of childhood harm, driven more by fear and social influence than lack of awareness. Improving caregiver information, community engagement, and primary child health care may reduce the practice.
Traditional uvulectomy is practiced in parts of Nigeria based on the belief that the uvula causes common childhood problems such as persistent cough, sore throat, feeding difficulties, vomiting, or choking. Some caregivers also believe it prevents future throat infections or sudden death in infants. There is no medical evidence to support these beliefs. The procedure is often performed outside clinical settings using non-sterile instruments, which can lead to bleeding, infection, anemia, and severe illness. This study examined the prevalence, motivations, and health outcomes of traditional uvulectomy among caregivers of children under five years.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods study was conducted between April-June 2025 in two rural communities in Kano State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 200 caregivers of children under five years to assess awareness of uvulectomy, prior practice, decision influences, and reported complications. In parallel, six focus group discussions and twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers and influential family members to explore beliefs and experiences. Quantitative data were summarized using simple counts. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
RESULTS:
Out of 200 caregivers, 176 had heard of traditional uvulectomy. Seventy-two reported that at least one child in their household had undergone the procedure. Among these children, 46 experienced one or more complications. Reported problems included excessive bleeding (21 cases), feeding difficulties (31 cases), and emergency hospital visits (14 cases). Decisions were influenced by elders or traditional healers in 38 households. Qualitative findings showed that caregivers viewed the practice as an act of care, driven by fear of illness worsening, pressure from family members, and past difficulties accessing health services.
CONCLUSIONS:
Traditional uvulectomy is a preventable cause of childhood harm, driven more by fear and social influence than lack of awareness. Improving caregiver information, community engagement, and primary child health care may reduce the practice.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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