Influence of Cultural Beliefs on Maternal Health-Seeking Behaviour Among Hausa-Fulani Women in Sokoto State: Implications for Nursing Practice

Background: Cultural beliefs significantly mediate health-seeking behaviour among Hausa-Fulani women in Nigeria's North West, contributing to low antenatal attendance and facility-based delivery rates. Understanding these dynamics is critical for culturally responsive nursing practice. Aim: This study examined the influence of cultural beliefs on maternal health-seeking behaviour among Hausa-Fulani women in Sokoto State. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design used semi-structured in-depth interviews with 30 purposively selected married women and eight key informants including traditional birth attendants and community leaders. Data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Key cultural themes included belief in divine control over birth outcomes, preferences for traditional birth attendants, restrictions on female mobility without male accompaniment, and female modesty barriers to examination by male health workers. Social pressure from mothers-in-law significantly influenced health-seeking decisions. Conclusion: Nursing services must be redesigned to engage traditional birth attendants, deploy female nurses in outreach, incorporate culturally acceptable care elements, and conduct community-based health education that addresses dominant cultural beliefs. Keywords: cultural beliefs, maternal health-seeking, Hausa-Fulani, Sokoto, nursing practice.