Increase awareness of a safer postparten treatment method

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 26 views

Marapi Tradition and Maternal and Infant Health: A Phenomenological Study in Manunggang Jae Village

Introduction

The Marapi tradition is a cultural heritage practice that has been passed down through generations in Manunggang Jae Village, Padangsidimpuan City, North Sumatra Province. This tradition involves a fogging or heating process for 40 days after birth, which is believed to accelerate postpartum recovery and maintain the health of the mother and baby. However, despite its cultural significance, the Marapi tradition also poses health risks that need to be considered. This study aims to explore the practices of the Marapi tradition and its relationship with maternal and infant health, using a phenomenological approach through in-depth interviews with informants.

Background

The Marapi tradition is a unique cultural practice that is deeply rooted in the community of Manunggang Jae Village. The tradition involves a series of treatments, including fumigation and 'manjongi fire' (standing on a fireplace), which are believed to have health benefits for the mother and baby. The community has a strong confidence in the effectiveness of this method, which has been passed down through generations. However, despite its cultural significance, the Marapi tradition also poses health risks that need to be considered.

Methodology

This study was conducted from October 2018 to August 2019, involving seven mothers who had carried out the Marapi tradition and one mother who was doing so. The study used a phenomenological approach, which involves in-depth interviews with informants to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied. The results of the study showed that the Marapi tradition was still strong in the community, with two main types of treatments: fumigation and 'manjongi fire' (standing on a fireplace).

Results

The results of the study showed that the Marapi tradition was closely related to the confidence of the community that this method is useful to accelerate postpartum recovery, as well as maintaining the health of the mother and baby. However, the study also recorded the potential for health problems, such as respiratory system disorders, burns, perineal wound infections, dehydration, vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, and skin irritation. The people of Manunggang Village Jae adopted this tradition because it was a cultural heritage that was revealed from generation to generation and received support from elders and parents.

Discussion

The relationship between maternal and infant health and the Marapi tradition shows that community behavior in caring for health is influenced by social determinants, one of which is culture. The Marapi tradition is a cultural practice that has been passed down through generations, and it is deeply rooted in the community of Manunggang Jae Village. However, despite its cultural significance, the Marapi tradition also poses health risks that need to be considered. The study highlights the need to increase awareness of a safer postparten treatment method and to promote and educate about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Marapi tradition remains an important part of the life of the people in the village of Manunggang Jae. However, it is also important to harmonize this tradition with modern health practices to ensure the safety and health of mothers and infants. With a holistic approach, it is expected to maintain cultural values while reducing health risks that may arise from this traditional practice. The study highlights the need for health workers to be more active in promoting and educating about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns, in order to create a healthier environment for mothers and children.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase awareness of a safer postparten treatment method: The community is advised to apply a healthier care method and minimize practices that have the potential to endanger health.
Promote and educate about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns: Health workers are expected to be more active in promoting and educating about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns, in order to create a healthier environment for mothers and children.
Harmonize traditional practices with modern health practices: The Marapi tradition is an important part of the life of the people in the village of Manunggang Jae, but it is also important to harmonize this tradition with modern health practices to ensure the safety and health of mothers and infants.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study involved only seven mothers who had carried out the Marapi tradition and one mother who was doing so.
Limited generalizability: The study was conducted in a specific community, and the findings may not be generalizable to other communities.
Lack of control group: The study did not have a control group, which makes it difficult to determine the effectiveness of the Marapi tradition.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Investigate the effectiveness of the Marapi tradition: Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of the Marapi tradition in accelerating postpartum recovery and maintaining the health of the mother and baby.
Develop a safer postparten treatment method: Future studies should aim to develop a safer postparten treatment method that is based on the principles of the Marapi tradition.
Promote and educate about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns: Future studies should aim to promote and educate about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns, in order to create a healthier environment for mothers and children.
Q&A: Marapi Tradition and Maternal and Infant Health

Q: What is the Marapi tradition?

A: The Marapi tradition is a cultural heritage practice that has been passed down through generations in Manunggang Jae Village, Padangsidimpuan City, North Sumatra Province. This tradition involves a fogging or heating process for 40 days after birth, which is believed to accelerate postpartum recovery and maintain the health of the mother and baby.

Q: What are the main types of treatments in the Marapi tradition?

A: The Marapi tradition involves two main types of treatments: fumigation and 'manjongi fire' (standing on a fireplace). Fumigation involves the use of smoke to purify the body, while 'manjongi fire' involves standing on a fireplace to stimulate blood circulation.

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with the Marapi tradition?

A: The Marapi tradition poses several health risks, including respiratory system disorders, burns, perineal wound infections, dehydration, vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, and skin irritation.

Q: Why do people in Manunggang Jae Village adopt the Marapi tradition?

A: People in Manunggang Jae Village adopt the Marapi tradition because it is a cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations and is supported by elders and parents.

Q: What is the relationship between the Marapi tradition and maternal and infant health?

A: The Marapi tradition is closely related to the confidence of the community that this method is useful to accelerate postpartum recovery, as well as maintaining the health of the mother and baby. However, the study also highlights the need to increase awareness of a safer postparten treatment method.

Q: What are the recommendations for promoting and educating about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns?

A: Health workers are expected to be more active in promoting and educating about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns, in order to create a healthier environment for mothers and children.

Q: How can the Marapi tradition be harmonized with modern health practices?

A: The Marapi tradition can be harmonized with modern health practices by increasing awareness of a safer postparten treatment method and promoting and educating about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, limited generalizability, and lack of control group.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the Marapi tradition?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the effectiveness of the Marapi tradition, develop a safer postparten treatment method, and promote and educate about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns.

Q: Why is it important to study the Marapi tradition?

A: Studying the Marapi tradition is important because it provides insights into the cultural practices and beliefs of the community, and can inform the development of safer and more effective postpartum care methods.

Q: How can the Marapi tradition be preserved while also promoting modern health practices?

A: The Marapi tradition can be preserved while also promoting modern health practices by increasing awareness of a safer postparten treatment method and promoting and educating about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy?

A: This study highlights the need for public health policy to address the cultural and social determinants of health, and to promote and educate about the care of postpartum mothers and newborns.