EFFECT OF HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICE

TOPIC: EFFECT OF HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICE  

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1. Department of Sociology
2. Department of Public Health
3. Department of Social Work
4. Department of Gender Studies
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/Citations
3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnaire

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the effect of harmful traditional practices on the health, psychological well-being and social development of residents of Ozoro Community. The study was specifically carried out to identify the prevalent harmful traditional practices in Ozoro Community, examine the effect of harmful traditional practices on the health and well-being of residents of Ozoro Community, determine the effect of harmful traditional practices on the psychological and social well-being of residents of Ozoro Community and assess the effect of harmful traditional practices on the social development of individuals in Ozoro Community. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. Hence, the questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages, and hypotheses test was conducted using Logistic Regression statistical tool. A total population of 4,200 residents of Ozoro Community was used, while a sample size of 365 was determined using Taro Yamane formula and 350 validated responses were used for analysis using stratified and convenience sampling techniques. The participants consisted of residents across different demographic groups in Ozoro Community. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings reveal that harmful traditional practices significantly affect health and well-being at B = 0.812, p = 0.000, contribute to health risks at B = 0.905, p = 0.000, and reduce access to healthcare at B = 0.774, p = 0.001. The study also shows that psychological and social well-being is significantly affected at B = 0.845, p = 0.000, while social cohesion is reduced at B = 0.910, p = 0.000. Likewise, the study further revealed that social development is significantly hindered at B = 0.860, p = 0.000, and access to education is limited at B = 0.798, p = 0.000. The study therefore recommends that government and community stakeholders should intensify public enlightenment, enforce protective policies, strengthen healthcare access and should promote cultural reorientation programmes aimed at reducing harmful traditional practices in Ozoro Community.
Keywords: Harmful Traditional Practices, Health, Psychological Well-being, Social Development, Ozoro Community

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
Harmful traditional practices (HTPs) are considered a social and public health issue worldwide as they are entrenched in society through culture, beliefs and passed on traditions that shape individual and group behaviour. These practices have traditionally been maintained in Africa, Asia, and in some parts of the Middle East as a means of social control, identity construction and the continuity of indigenous values. Although culture is an important factor of social cohesion it is important that the modern scholarship has been increasingly focusing on the distinction between positive culture and harmful cultural practices which have negative effects on the human rights, health and development of people. Omoniyi (2020) defines harmful traditional practices as any practice or ritual that has a negative effect on the physical, psychological and social health of a person, especially women and children. Likewise, Burayu and Degefa (2024) state that many of the traditional practices continue to exist due to the social sanctions and intergenerational transfer of inheritance even in the face of the new realities of society. Kyei‐Gyamfi et al. (2025) agree with this finding, arguing that these practices are viewed as markers and symbols of cultural identity in the community, which helps to sustain the continuity of the culture. Therefore, the discourse has been on the need to balance the preservation of the culture with the promotion of human dignity and sustainable development.
This global approach is complemented by a view on the societies of Africa which is unique, in that traditional practices remain influential in determining social relations and health behaviours. Traditional practices continue to play a vital role in social organisation, conflict resolution, initiation, and leadership. However, some of these practices have been noted by several scholars to be exposing an individual to physical injury, discrimination and social exclusion. The authors of Ea et al., (2024) argue that some of the harmful traditional practices in Africa include: female genital mutilation, widowhood practices, child marriage, ritual practices, and harmful indigenous health practices. According to Olayinka (2022), many harmful cultural practices in the context of Nigeria have been aimed at the vulnerable individuals of women and girls empowered under the guise of ensuring morality and social order. Moreover, Archibong-Okonneh and Kola-Aderoju (2024) argue that while indigenous institutions play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, certain traditional practices do not align with the principles of gender equity and human rights. This convergence of culture and social transformation has spurred academic discussions about culturally responsive reforms instead of complete abolishment of traditional practices.
Closely related to these debates is the growing concern regarding the implications of harmful traditional practices for health and well-being. There has been a growing recognition in the field of health sciences that cultural beliefs can shape treatment-seeking behaviors, reproduction and health practices, and illness perceptions. For example, Irene and Nkechi (2022) noticed that traditional attitudes to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care persist in most communities in Nigeria and impact negatively on maternal health choices. Similarly, Li et al., (2020) discovered that traditional medicines were used by majority of the women in Nigeria, indicating the continued relevance of indigenous health care systems. Although traditional medicine is still beneficial, Eruaga et al. (2024) give consideration to the need for regulation to guarantee safety and compatibility with modern health requirements. Similarly, Nathaniel and Eze (2023) state that preventable visual impairment in Nigeria is significantly caused by harmful traditional eye practices. In support of this, Anya et al. (2020) reported the continued use of harmful eye medications among patients in the south eastern Nigeria. Therefore, recent discussions on health have called for an integrated health framework that supports health-promoting indigenous knowledge and discourages those that pose a threat to human health (Olsson & Akpan, 2023).
In addition to the physical health effects, the psychological and social aspects of harmful traditional practices have been investigated. Mental health perceptions, social identity and interpersonal relationships are greatly influenced by cultural beliefs. It is believed that the cultural perspectives on mental illness in Nigeria can determine mental illness help-seeking and community reactions to mental illness (Labinjo et al., 2020). Likewise, Anjorin and Wada (2022) recognize the traditional healers' pivotal role in mental healthcare provision, and the need to protect them against exploitative practices. Ogunwale et al. (2023) also show that some indigenous mental health practices can be human rights violations, due to stigma and culture syntonicity. Regarding gender relations, Ajayi et al. (2021) argue that the cultural context and traditional values significantly influence women's experiences of abuse and violence. Ekwueme (2025) also shows how certain traditional religious beliefs can be proponents of gender-based violence in the southeast of Nigeria. As a result, harmful traditional practices have been the focus of scholarly interest due to their potential impact on psychological wellbeing, social integration, self-esteem and interpersonal functioning (Aina-Pelemo et al., 2023; Alordiah et al., 2022).
From these general debates, one aspect that has emerged as a crucial one is the developmental impact of harmful traditional practices, especially in rural communities where traditional institutions are still powerful. Social development is the process by which people become socially included, make educational progress, are productively engaged, and have enhanced qualities of life. Harmful widowhood practices, ritualism and discriminatory gender norms have been found to be influential in shaping social opportunities and participation. Eze et al. (2024) stated that the widowhood practices in Southeast Nigeria frequently have a negative impact on the social status and community life of women. Similarly, Nwanmouh et al. (2025) reports that harmful cultural practices of the Igbo people against widows still affect the social relationship among the people. Additionally, Somorija (2025) reveals the growing worry of ritualism as a socio-cultural phenomenon in southeastern Nigeria. Ozoro Community is a socio-cultural setting where indigenous traditions are still in play within Delta State. Therefore the prevalence and impact of harmful traditional practices in Ozoro Community needs to be examined to gain understanding of the impact of culture on the health, psychological well-being, social relationships and overall social development of people in the contemporary society.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Culture should foster social cohesion, maintain positive values, and contribute to the overall welfare of the people of society. The traditional practices should promote the physical, psychological and social development of the person as well as the protection of the human dignity and fundamental rights. But in many communities in Nigeria, harmful traditional practices still persist, which indicates there is a deviation from the best. Some traditional practices are known to still impact the health of individuals, social exclusion, violence and emotional trauma as pointed out by some scholars like Omoniyi (2020) and Ea et al (2024). However, harmful practices in relation to widowhood rites, ritual activities, and gender-based customs continue to be common in southeast Nigeria (Eze et al., 2024; Ekwueme, 2025). Of specific concern in Ozoro Community is the reported cases during the Alue-Do fertility festival where young women have reportedly been chases, stripped and sexually assaulted while celebrating the festival. These incidents give cause for concern about the impact of negative traditional practices on the health, wellbeing and social life of people, particularly women and vulnerable populations. Such practices can have repercussions for physical safety, mental health, and interpersonal relationships and community development (Ajayi et al., 2021).
There are many empirical studies that have discussed harmful traditional practices from various angles. For example, Nathaniel and Eze (2023) targeted harmful traditional eye practices and the implications of it in eye care in Nigeria, Burayu and Degefa (2024) examined harmful traditional practices among puerperal women in Ethiopia. Likewise, Ogunwale et al. (2023) examined indigenous mental healthcare and related human rights issues and Anuforo et al. (2024) examined the review on health and well-being implications of widowhood cultural practices in Nigeria. Other studies by Ikeaba et al. (2022) on harmful traditional practices among market women and Edet et al. (2023) on harmful traditional practice amongst children were studied. While these studies have made significant contributions to understanding around harmful traditional practices, they tended to focus on population groups, health outcomes, or regional contexts at large. Thus, few empirical studies have been conducted to gain insight into the compound effects of the detrimental traditional practices on the health, psychological and social well-being and social development of the inhabitants of Ozoro Community.
Furthermore, available literature has paid little attention to the unique socio-cultural realities surrounding traditional festivals and related practices in Ozoro Community, particularly the experiences associated with the Alue-Do fertility festival. Most existing studies have focussed on national or regional patterns and have not offered community-specific evidence to guide the development of local interventions or policy responses (Ogunkolu & Ajibade, 2025; Somorija, 2025). This leaves a knowledge deficit in the context and experiences of communities around the most common harmful traditional practices in Ozoro Community and the multidimensional effects on community members. Based on this, the study aims to bridge the gap by identifying the most common harmful traditional practices in Ozoro Community and empirical analysis of their impact on the health and well-being, psychological and social well-being and social development of the people in the community.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of harmful traditional practices on residents of Ozoro Community.
The specific objectives are to:
i.Identify the prevalent harmful traditional practices in Ozoro Community.
ii.Examine the effect of harmful traditional practices on the health and well-being of residents of Ozoro Community.
iii.Examine the effect of harmful traditional practices on the psychological and social well-being of residents of Ozoro Community.
iv.Determine the effect of harmful traditional practices on the social development of individuals in Ozoro Community.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of harmful traditional practices, types and prevalence of harmful traditional practices, causes and effects of harmful traditional practices, etc.The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprised all residents of Ozoro Community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 365 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified sampling and convenience sampling to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, such as logistic regression, were used to test the hypotheses.
Full outline for chapter three:
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Research Setting
3.3 Target Population
3.4 Sample Size
3.5 Sampling Technique
3.6 Instruments For Data Collection
3.7 Validity and Reliability of Instrument
3.8 Pilot Study
3.9 Method of Data Collection
3.10 Method Of Data Analysis
3.11 Ethical considerations

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made: 

i. The study found that harmful traditional practices significantly affect the health and well-being of residents of Ozoro Community, as evidenced by respondents’ agreement that such practices affect physical health, contribute to health risks and illnesses, increase stress and anxiety, and reduce access to adequate healthcare services. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed significant regression coefficients ranging from -0.745 to 0.905, with p-values below 0.05, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

ii. The study found that harmful traditional practices significantly affect the psychological and social well-being of residents of Ozoro Community, as evidenced by respondents’ agreement that such practices cause psychological trauma, negatively affect social well-being, reduce social cohesion, and contribute to social exclusion. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed significant regression coefficients ranging from -0.735 to 0.910, with p-values below 0.05, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

iii. The study found that harmful traditional practices significantly affect the social development of individuals in Ozoro Community, as evidenced by respondents’ agreement that such practices hinder social development, limit access to education and social opportunities, affect participation in community development activities, and influence youth empowerment and skill acquisition. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed significant regression coefficients ranging from -0.760 to 0.885, with p-values below 0.05, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

CHAPTER FIVE:DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Discussion of Findings  
5.2 Implication of the Findings
5.3. Limitations of the study
5.4 Summary 
5.5 Conclusion
5.6 Recommendations
5.7 Suggestions for Further Studies
Reference
Appendix

UPLOADED BY MIRACLE