Perceptions of Pregnant Women on Traditional Health Practices in a Rural Setting in South Africa
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15467909 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mvulakazi Patricia Thipanyane (Walter Sisulu University, corresponding author), Sibusiso C Nomatshila (0000-0003-4130-0707, Walter Sisulu University), Olanrewaju Oladimeji (0000-0002-5356-901X, Walter Sisulu University), Hannibal Musarurwa (0000-0002-5554-481X, Walter Sisulu University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pages | 4189-4189 |
| Publication date | 2022-04-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph19074189 |
| PMID | 35409871 |
| OpenAlex | W4223556823 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 26 |
Though there are prenatal and perinatal protocols across the African continent, traditional practices are commonly used. Improving maternal health requires an understanding of local cultural approaches and traditional health systems. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of pregnant mothers of various ages and gravidities towards traditional maternal health practices during pregnancy. A descriptive phenomenological study was carried out with 27 purposively selected pregnant women from the King Sabatha Dalindyebo health sub-district. Discussion from three focus groups yielded three major themes and eight sub-themes. Content analysis revealed strong opinions and support for traditional practices. Although specialist practitioners were mentioned, family members were the primary source of information on traditional perinatal health practices. African mahogany bark, herbal decoctions, and holy water were allegedly used to treat labor pains, postnatal care, and the warding off of evil spirits. During pregnancy, these were thought to be beneficial and necessary. Nonetheless, the protection of some traditional practices' know-how prevents integration of the traditional health system into the national health system. Consequently, there is a need for dialogue to facilitate the exchange of ideas on maternal health between the two health systems in order to facilitate more efficient policy formulation and implementation
Economic growth · Environmental health · Focus group · Health care · Health education · Perception · Pregnancy · Public health · Sociology · Traditional medicine · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology
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| Citations per year | 0.75 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2022 - 2025 (4) |
| Highly cited | No |