Call for Paper - Upcoming Issues

Evaluation of the Cultural Analysis of the Representation of Ceaserian Births in Select Nollywood Films

International Journal of Communication and Media Science
© 2025 by SSRG - IJCMS Journal
Volume 12 Issue 1
Year of Publication : 2025
Authors : Nnabuife Chika Onyinye, Walter Ihejirika, Innocent Paschal Ihechu
10.14445/2349641X/IJCMS-V12I1P102
pdf
How to Cite?

Nnabuife Chika Onyinye, Walter Ihejirika, Innocent Paschal Ihechu, "Evaluation of the Cultural Analysis of the Representation of Ceaserian Births in Select Nollywood Films," SSRG International Journal of Communication and Media Science, vol. 12,  no. 1, pp. 8-17, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/2349641X/IJCMS-V12I1P102

Abstract:

The cultural representation of cesarean births in Nollywood cinema remains understudied, with complex social narratives and medical misconceptions surrounding the procedure. This research critically examines the portrayal of cesarean sections in five contemporary Nollywood films, targeting the sociocultural dynamics within Southeast Nigeria’s reproductive discourse.
Drawing on cultural studies, media studies, and reproductive health discourse, the study analyzes the cultural representation of cesarean births. A qualitative research design was employed, combining qualitative content analysis and semi-structured interviews.
The findings reveal pervasive cultural narratives surrounding cesarean births. The films predominantly portray cesarean sections as a medical last resort, embedded with traditional and religious undertones. To address these issues, the study recommends developing more nuanced, medically accurate narratives in Nollywood productions and implementing targeted public health communication strategies to mitigate cultural misconceptions about cesarean births.

Keywords:

Cesarean births, Cultural representation of Nollywood cinema, Media studies, Reproductive health.

References:

[1] Mopelola Lauretta Ajegbile, “Closing the Gap in Maternal Health Access and Quality through Targeted Investments in Low-resource Settings,” Journal of Global Health Reports, vol. 7, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
[2] Augusta Y. Olaore, Nkiruka Rita Ezeokoli, and Vickie B. Ogunlade, “Community Traditional Birth Attendants and Cultural Birthing Practices in Nigeria: Social Work Implications,” Community Practice and Social Development in Social Work, pp. 1-20, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Ayodeji K. Ayodele, “Portrayal of Women with Postpartum Depression in Nollywood Movies,” Journal of Communication and Media Technology, vol. 6, no. 1&2, 2024.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Serifat Asabi Babalola, “Caesarean Section a Better Pathway to Safe Motherhood: Perception of Adults in Ekiti State, South Western Nigeria,” International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 2426–2431, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]
[5] Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas et al., “Motivations for and Experiences of Childbirth Abroad Amongst Nigerian Women: A Qualitative Study,” PLOS Global Public Health, vol. 4, no. 9, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Debra Eluobaju et al., “Understanding Birthing Preferences of Women in Benin City, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study,” BMJ Open, vol. 13, no. 5, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] Osakpolor Emwinromwankhoe, “The Nollywood Film, Lockdown and Its Effects in Nigeria’s Drive for Risk Communication During a Time of Pandemic,” Covenant Journal of Communication, vol. 11, no. 1, 2024.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] Luchuo Engelbert Bain et al., “Prevalence and Determinants of Maternal Healthcare Utilisation Among Young Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Cross-sectional Analyses of Demographic and Health Survey Data,” BMC Public Health, vol. 22, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Ekpoanwan E. Esienumoh et al., “Cultural Diversity in Childbirth Practices of a Rural Community in Southern Nigeria,” Journal of Pregnancy and Child Health, vol. 3, no. 5, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]
[10] Margo S. Harrison, and Robert L. Goldenberg, “Cesarean Section in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology, vol. 2, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Vivian Idama et al., “Factors Affecting Maternal Mortality Rates in Nigeria: A Review of Challenges and Potential Solutions,” Futurity Medicine, vol. 3, no. 3, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]
[12] Hannah Emuobosa Ivwighren, Bridget Onajite Urhibo, and Lydia I. Uwayah, “Influence of Nigerian Movies on the Cultural Values of Youths in Delta State, Nigeria,” Management Research and Behavior Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, 2024.
[Google Scholar]
[13] Musa Abubakar Kana et al., “Maternal and Child Health Interventions in Nigeria: A Systematic Review of Published Studies from 1990 to 2014,” BMC Public Health, vol. 15, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] Rana Dahab, and Dikaios Sakellariou, “Barriers to Accessing Maternal Care in Low-income Countries in Africa: A Systematic Review,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 12, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Catherine Meh et al., “Levels and Determinants of Maternal Mortality in Northern and Southern Nigeria,” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 19, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Turnwait Out Michael, Richard Dele Agbana, and Kammila Naidoo, “Exploring Perceptions of Cesarean Sections Among Postpartum Women in Nigeria: A Qualitative Study,” Women, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Theresa Morris, and Katherine McInerney, “Media Representations of Pregnancy and Childbirth: An Analysis of Popular Media in the United States,” Birth, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 134–140, 2010.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Francis G. Muriithi et al., “Individual, Health Facility and Wider Health System Factors Contributing to Maternal Deaths in Africa: A Scoping Review,” PLOS Global Public Health, vol. 4, no. 7, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] National Population Commission & ICF International, Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018.
[Publisher Link]
[20] Oluwaseun I. Obasola, and Iyabo M. Mabawonku, “Mothers’ Perception of Maternal and Child Health Information Disseminated Via Different Modes of ICT in Nigeria,” Health Information & Libraries Journal, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 309-318, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Christine Odi, “Nollywood Mothering: A Socio-cultural Analysis of the Concept of Motherhood in Select Nigerian Films,” AFRREV IJAH: An International Journal of Arts and Humanities, vol. 5, no. 1, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] Chibuike Julius Nwosu et al., “Awareness and Utilization of m-health Pregnancy Apps among Women of Reproductive Age in Anambra State,” International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 361–371, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] Ngozi S. Okonkwo et al., “Maternal Demand for Cesarean Section: Perception and Willingness to Request by Nigerian Antenatal Clients,” International Journal of Women’s Health, vol. 4, pp. 141–148, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] Olawale Olonade et al., “Maternal Mortality and Maternal Health Care in Nigeria: Implications for Socio-economic Development,” Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 849–855, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[25] Osakue Stevenson Omoera, John Okhatie Edemode, and peter Aihevba, “Impact of Nollywood Films on Children’s Behaviour in Ekpoma, Nigeria,” Asian and African Studies, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 350–374, 2017.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] Osakue S. Omoera, and Osakpolor Emwinromwankhoe, “Framing Gender Issues in Selected Nollywood Narratives,” Film Visio, vol. 3, pp. 1-22, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] Kevin Uwaecheghi Onyenankeya, Oluwayemisi Mary Onyenankeya, and Oluyinka Osunkunle, “Sexism and Gender Profiling: Two Decades of Stereotypical Portrayal of Women in Nollywood Films,” Journal of International Women’s Studies, vol. 20, no. 2, 2018.
[Publisher Link]
[28] Beatrice Wuraola Ope, “Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: Addressing Maternal Health Services’ Perception and Experience,” Journal of Global Health Reports, vol. 4, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[29] Seun Seidu et al., “Framing of Maternal Health News in Three Nigerian Newspapers,” International Journal of Communication Research and Development Network of Children and Youth in Agriculture, vol. 14, no. 1, 2024.
[30] Uchechi Clara Opara, Peace Njideka Iheanacho, and Pammla Petrucka, “Cultural and Religious Structures Influencing the use of Maternal Health Services in Nigeria: A Focused Ethnographic Research,” Reproductive Health, vol. 21, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[31] Ogochukwu Udenigwe et al., “Seeking Maternal Health Care in Rural Nigeria: Through the Lens of Negofeminism,” Reproductive Health, vol. 20, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[32] United Nations, Improving Maternal Health in Africa. [Online]. Available: https://africarenewal.un.org/en Health
[33] Sisan J. Victor-Woko, “Exploring Sexual Communication in Recent Nollywood Movies and Its Role in Shaping the Future of the Nigerian Film Industry,” MSc Thesis, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[34] World Organization, WHO Statement on Caesarean Section Rates, 2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-RHR-15.02