RESUMEN
The objective of this study was to identify adopted home remedies given by mothers of lower socioeconomic classes to their babies in upper Egypt. The study was a qualitative research. The study population included mothers aged 18 to 40 years representative of the D/E socioeconomic classification [SEC]. the setting was urban and rural districts in each of the five governorates Giza, Menya, Assiut, Sohag and Qena. Thirty six neonatal medical terms were investigated. The results showed that more than 140 neonatal remedies were identified by this study, 10 were considered beneficial, 43 remedies of variable effect according to the circumstances and to the way they are applied and the rest were considered potentially harmful practices. In upper Egypt home remedies appear to be deeply seated beliefs propagating through generations and generally resorted to when any illness arises. The sources of remedies were an experienced old woman, usually a relative or a neighbor, a non professional practitioner or a religious figure. In some instances participants followed the advice of the pharmacist. It is important for physicians to be aware of the remedies used for the newlyborns, to understand the health belief system of the population being served. This will help ensure compliance with physician recommendations and promote a better therapeutic relationship between parents and provider and families can be educated about remedies that are potentially harmful