“MAHAGA TIHI” AS A LOCAL WISDOM ON ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY OF THE DAYAK COMMUNITY, SOUTH BARITO, INDONESIA

Abstract

The local wisdom of the Dayak community regarding adolescent pregnancy is based on values, norms, ethics, beliefs, customs, and special rules. This research used a qualitative approach; research informants were selected with purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected by observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) with 54 informants using a specific semi-structured guideline. To ensure trustworthiness, triangulation and comparison with existing documents were carried out. The results of the interview showed that pregnancy care carried out by adolescent pregnant women did not conflict with the local wisdom of the Dayak community with parental consent, and adolescent pregnancy was normal. MAHAGA TIHI, a local wisdom, was adopted to empower pregnancy care in the Dayak Community by involving Dayak community leaders. The result showed that self-care of pregnant teenagers of Dayak in South Barito Regency was quite good. Some prohibitions, based on MAHAGA TIHI, such as bathing after sunset, not eating vine vegetables and certain fruits (pineapple and durian, drinking coconut oil at 8-9 months of gestation as a leaner childbirth (lubricant) were still believed and carried out. The fulfillment of nutrition for pregnant women with parental supervision has been achieved. Iron supplements were taken as recommended, tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization was incomplete and cultural support for the health benefits of exercise was sufficient. They were engaged in physical activity, rested appropriately and received family support. Midwives and village shaman did a lot of pregnancy checkups. However, most of the teenage pregnant women went to the traditional birth attendant, also known as village shaman, at their first checkup. Village shaman usually did pregnancy checkups because of high trust, closeness to relatives, and kinship.