The infant mortality rate (IMR) in the West Sumatra is still high and therefore it should be vigilantly monitored. Data from Provincial Health Office of West Sumatra (2014) revealed that IMR in 2013 was about of 27/1000 live births. The purpose of this study is to describe socio-cultural problems to decrease the IMR in the West Sumatra. The research was carried out in 10 districts/cities in the West Sumatra Province using a qualitative approach. Primary data collection was done through focus

more »

... up discussion, in-depth interviews and observations. While secondary data was obtained through a literature review. The results showed that there were socio-cultural problems encountered that hindered the reduction of the infant mortality rate. These including the lack of knowledge and community understanding towards mother and child health, and the existence of practice and common beliefs that the examination of pregnancy and child birth in the home with the help of traditional birth attendants. There was also beliefs regarding tradional healing of sick children in rural community. ABSTRAK Angka kematian bayi di Provinsi Sumatera Barat masih tergolong tinggi dan masih perlu mendapatkan perhatian yang serius. Data dari Dinas Kesehatan Provinsi Sumatera Barat (2014) bahwa AKB pada tahun 2013 masih sebesar 27/1000 kelahiran hidup. Tujuan penelitian untuk mendeskripsikan permasalahan sosial budaya dalam upaya penurunan AKB di Provinsi Sumatera Barat. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di 10 kabupaten/kota di Provinsi Sumatera Barat dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data primer dilakukan melalui Focus Group Discussion (FGD), wawancara mendalam dan observasi. Sedangkan data sekunder dilakukan melalui penelusuran dokumen/laporan penelitian maupun sumber-sumber lain.Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa ada permasalahan sosial budaya yang dianggap turut menghambat upaya penurunan Angka Kematian Bayi, yaitu masih terbatasnya pengetahuan dan pemahaman masyarakat terhadap upaya kesehatan ibu dan anak, dan adanya praktek dan adanya praktek dan kebiasaan masyarakat seperti pemeriksaan kehamilan dan melahirkan di rumah dengan bantuan dukun bayi serta masih adanya kepercayaan masyarakat dalam pengobatan anak dengan bantuan dukun kampung. Kata kunci: Sosial budaya, kematian bayi, Provinsi Sumatera Barat.