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Sharma S, Bhardwaj A, Arora K, Akhtar F, Mehra S. Assessing universal maternal health service coverage and their determinants in India: A multicentric cross-sectional study. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:1516-1524. [PMID: 37767445 PMCID: PMC10521851 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1891_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Universal maternal health coverage (UHC) envisages access to quality healthcare services by pregnant and lactating women without any financial hardship. Our present study attempts to assess the UHC for maternal health services and their determinants, including access to quality antenatal care (ANC), quality postnatal care (PNC), and child immunization among the marginalized populations of India. Methods It was a community-based cross-sectional study across five states of India among pregnant or lactating women. Quality ANC score was calculated using four indicators, including ANC registration month, attendance of four or more ANC visits, receiving at least one tetanus toxoid injection, and consumption of 100 iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets. Similarly, quality PNC care score was calculated using four indicators, including PNC within 48 h, breastfeeding initiation time, institutional delivery, and accessing conditional maternity benefit scheme. Logistic or generalized linear regression was used to depict associations depending on the outcome variables. Results A total of 12,976 pregnant women's and 18,061 lactating mothers' data were analyzed. Illiterate women, women from below the poverty line, and rural areas had low-quality ANC and PNC scores compared with their counterparts. Marginalized women had lower odds of immunization of children and lower quality PNC scores than nonmarginalized. Conclusions Sociodemographic factors, such as caste, education of women, area of residence, and economic status, are major determinants of quality ANC and PNC scores and immunization of children. Hence, interventionists ought to design community-based interventions that address the challenges in the uptake of health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Sharma
- Department of Reproductive Maternal Child and Adolescent Health, MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, B-5, Greater Kailash Enclave II, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, India
| | - Aditya Bhardwaj
- Department of Reproductive Maternal Child and Adolescent Health, MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, B-5, Greater Kailash Enclave II, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, India
| | - Kanishtha Arora
- Department of Reproductive Maternal Child and Adolescent Health, MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, B-5, Greater Kailash Enclave II, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, India
| | - Faiyaz Akhtar
- Department of Reproductive Maternal Child and Adolescent Health, MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, B-5, Greater Kailash Enclave II, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunil Mehra
- Department of Reproductive Maternal Child and Adolescent Health, MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, B-5, Greater Kailash Enclave II, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, India
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Uzair Khalid M, Khan S, Koerber D, Ashok Shah H. Educational interventions to improve hepatitis C testing or treatment in South Asian communities: A systematic review. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022; 5:513-529. [PMID: 38144401 PMCID: PMC10735205 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C (HCV) places a disproportionately higher burden on the South Asian community in comparison to the general population, despite the availability of effective antiviral therapies. This study seeks to characterize the effectiveness of health promotion initiatives aimed at South Asians to improve HCV prevention, education, screening, and treatment adherence. METHODS: A systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021253796) was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, ERIC, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to 15 April 2022 for original studies that reported on any health promotion initiative directed at improving HCV outcomes in the South Asian community. Risk of bias was assessed via a quality score. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies (6 uncontrolled interventional, 3 before-after interventional, 3 randomized controlled, 2 prospective cohort, and 1 historically controlled interventional study designs) involving 69,958 participants were included. The most studied interventions were formal HCV teaching (n = 12), community outreach (n = 6), and coupling screening/testing with existing programs (n = 3). Ninety-two percent (14/15) of interventions were concluded to be successful, and 71% (10/14) of those were concluded to be feasible and/or cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions that aim to improve HCV education and accessibility to screening/treatment can substantially reduce barriers to care in South Asian communities. Further research, of higher quality RCT evidence, is needed to study the long-term reduction in HCV prevalence from these proposed interventions, and their associated feasibility profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Uzair Khalid
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn Khan
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Koerber
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hemant Ashok Shah
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Trickey A, May MT, Davies C, Qureshi H, Hamid S, Mahmood H, Saeed Q, Hickman M, Glass N, Averhoff F, Vickerman P. Importance and Contribution of Community, Social, and Healthcare Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Infection in Pakistan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1920-1928. [PMID: 29141707 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pakistan has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, estimated at 4.9% (2,290/46,843) in the 2007 national HCV seroprevalence survey. We used data from this survey to assess the importance of risk factor associations with HCV prevalence in Pakistan. Exposures were grouped as community (going to the barbers, sharing smoking equipment, having an ear/nose piercing, tattoo, or acupuncture), healthcare (ever having hemodialysis, blood transfusion, or ≥ 5 injections in the last year), demographic (marital status and age), and socio-economic (illiterate or laborer). We used mutually adjusted multivariable regression analysis, stratified by sex, to determine associations with HCV infection, their population attributable fraction, and how risk of infection accumulates with multiple exposures. Strength of associations was assessed using adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Community [aOR females 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 1.8); males 1.2 (1.1, 1.4)] and healthcare [females 1.4 (1.2, 1.6); males 1.2 (1.1, 1.4)] exposures, low socio-economic status [females 1.6 (1.3, 1.80); males 1.3 (1.2, 1.5)], and marriage [females 1.5 (1.2, 1.9); males 1.4 (1.1, 1.8)] were associated with increased HCV infection. Among married women, the number of children was associated with an increase in HCV infection; linear trend aOR per child 1.06 (1.01, 1.11). Fewer infections could be attributed to healthcare exposures (females 13%; males 6%) than to community exposures (females 25%; males 9%). Prevalence increased from 3% to 10% when cumulative exposures increased from 1 to ≥ 4 [aOR per additional exposure for females 1.5 (1.4, 1.6); males 1.2 (1.2, 1.3)]. A combination of community, healthcare, and other factors appear to drive the Pakistan HCV epidemic, highlighting the need for a comprehensive array of prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Trickey
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret T May
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Davies
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Huma Qureshi
- Pakistan Medical Research Council (PMRC), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Mahmood
- Pakistan Medical Research Council (PMRC), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Quaid Saeed
- National AIDS Control Programme, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Matthew Hickman
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Glass
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Peter Vickerman
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Chichester M, Wool C. The Meaning of Food and Multicultural Implications for Perinatal Palliative Care. Nurs Womens Health 2016; 19:224-35. [PMID: 26058905 DOI: 10.1111/1751-486x.12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Feeding an infant is a bonding experience for parents, particularly for women from cultures in which breastfeeding is the norm. When an infant is unexpectedly ill, or his or her life is expected to be brief, challenges surrounding infant feeding can occur. Regardless of ethnicity or culture, parents facing the death of their infant have difficult decisions to make and need time to process those decisions. Given the social, cultural and spiritual nature of food and water, withdrawing or withholding nutrition and/or hydration for infants can be one of the most difficult decisions for parents. This article considers the clinical and cultural ramifications of infant feeding decisions when a shift occurs from curative interventions to palliative care.
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Dennis CL, Fung K, Grigoriadis S, Robinson GE, Romans S, Ross L. Traditional Postpartum Practices and Rituals: A Qualitative Systematic Review. WOMENS HEALTH 2016; 3:487-502. [DOI: 10.2217/17455057.3.4.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many cultures around the world observe specific postpartum rituals to avoid ill health in later years. This qualitative systematic review examined the literature describing traditional postpartum practices from 51 studies in over 20 different countries. Commonalities were identified in practices across cultures. Specifically, the themes included organized support for the mother, periods of rest, prescribed food to be eaten or prohibited, hygiene practices and those related to infant care and breastfeeding, among others. These rituals allow the mother to be ‘mothered’ for a period of time after the birth. They may have beneficial health effects as well as facilitate the transition to motherhood. In today's society, with modernization, migration and globalization, individuals may be unable to carry out the rituals or, conversely, feel pressured to carry out activities in which they no longer believe. The understanding of traditional postpartum practices can inform the provision of culturally competent perinatal services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy-Lee Dennis
- University of Toronto, Faculty of Nursing, 115 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P8, Canada, Tel.: +1 416 946 8608
| | - Kenneth Fung
- University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada, Tel.: +1 416 603 5349; ext. 5837
| | - Sophie Grigoriadis
- Univeraity of Toronto, Facutky of Medicine, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, 8th Floor, Eaton Wing North, Room 231, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada, Tel.: +1 416 340 4462; Fax: +1 416 340 4198
| | - Gail Erlick Robinson
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada, Tel.: +1 416 340 3048; Fax: +1 416 340 4198
| | - Sarah Romans
- University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada, Tel.: +1 416 351 3740; Fax: +1 416 351 3746
| | - Lori Ross
- University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada, Tel.: +1 416 535 8501; ext. 7383; Fax: +1 416 205 9522
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Sharma S, van Teijlingen E, Hundley V, Angell C, Simkhada P. Dirty and 40 days in the wilderness: Eliciting childbirth and postnatal cultural practices and beliefs in Nepal. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16:147. [PMID: 27381177 PMCID: PMC4933986 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-0938-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy and childbirth are socio-cultural events that carry varying meanings across different societies and cultures. These are often translated into social expectations of what a particular society expects women to do (or not to do) during pregnancy, birth and/or the postnatal period. This paper reports a study exploring beliefs around childbirth in Nepal, a low-income country with a largely Hindu population. The paper then sets these findings in the context of the wider global literature around issues such as periods where women are viewed as polluted (or dirty even) after childbirth. Methods A qualitative study comprising five in-depth face-to-face interviews and 14 focus group discussions with mainly women, but also men and health service providers. The qualitative findings in Nepal were compared and contrasted with the literature on practices and cultural beliefs related to the pregnancy and childbirth period across the globe and at different times in history. Results The themes that emerged from the analysis included: (a) cord cutting & placenta rituals; (b) rest & seclusion; (c) purification, naming & weaning ceremonies and (d) nutrition and breastfeeding. Physiological changes in mother and baby may underpin the various beliefs, ritual and practices in the postnatal period. These practices often mean women do not access postnatal health services. Conclusions The cultural practices, taboos and beliefs during pregnancy and around childbirth found in Nepal largely resonate with those reported across the globe. This paper stresses that local people’s beliefs and practices offer both opportunities and barriers to health service providers. Maternity care providers need to be aware of local values, beliefs and traditions to anticipate and meet the needs of women, gain their trust and work with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Sharma
- KenBerry Solutions Ltd., Nairobi, Kenya. .,Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK.
| | | | - Vanora Hundley
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Catherine Angell
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Padam Simkhada
- Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Fadzil F, Shamsuddin K, Wan Puteh SE. Traditional Postpartum Practices Among Malaysian Mothers: A Review. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:503-8. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2013.0469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fariza Fadzil
- Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khadijah Shamsuddin
- Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh
- Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Wells YO, Dietsch E. Childbearing traditions of Indian women at home and abroad: An integrative literature review. Women Birth 2014; 27:e1-6. [PMID: 25257377 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The percentage of overseas-born mothers giving birth in Australia has increased to 31.5% in 2012 and Indian women represent 10% (the highest proportion). It is important for midwives in Australia to be aware of the childbearing traditions of Indian women and how these influence Indian women birthing in Australia. AIM To explore childbearing practices in India and Indian women's experience of giving birth abroad; and to discuss the relevant findings for midwives working with Indian women in Australia. METHOD An integrative literature review was employed. 32 items, including 18 original research articles were thematically reviewed to identify commonly occurring themes relating to Indian women's childbearing traditions. FINDINGS Five themes relating to traditional childbearing practices of women birthing in India were identified. These themes included diversity and disparity; social context of childbirth and marriage; diet based on Ayurveda; pollution theory and confinement; and finally, rituals and customs. CONCLUSION Indian women giving birth abroad and by implication in Australia experience a transition to motherhood in a new culture. While adjusting to motherhood, they are also negotiating between their old and new cultural identities. To provide culturally safe care, it is essential that midwives reflect on their own culture while exploring what traditions are important for Indian women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaine Dietsch
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
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Ethnic differences in infant feeding practices and their relationship with BMI at 3 years of age - results from the Born in Bradford birth cohort study. Br J Nutr 2014; 111:1891-7. [PMID: 24513174 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114514000099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore previously unreported ethnic differences in infant feeding practices during the introduction of solid foods, accounting for maternal and birth factors, and to determine whether these feeding patterns are associated with BMI at 3 years of age. An observational study using Poisson regression was carried out to investigate the relationship between ethnicity and infant feeding practices and linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between feeding practices and BMI at 3 years of age in a subsample of 1327 infants in Bradford. It was found that compared with White British mothers, mothers of Other ethnicities were less likely to replace breast milk with formula milk before introducing solid foods (adjusted relative risk (RR) - Pakistani: 0·76 (95 % CI 0·64, 0·91), Other South Asian: 0·58 (95 % CI 0·39, 0·86), and Other ethnicities: 0·50 (95 % CI 0·34, 0·73)). Pakistani and Other South Asian mothers were less likely to introduce solid foods early ( < 17 weeks) (adjusted RR - Pakistani: 0·92 (95 % CI 0·87, 0·96) and Other South Asian: 0·87 (95 % CI 0·81, 0·93)). Other South Asian mothers and mothers of Other ethnicities were more likely to continue breast-feeding after introducing solid foods (adjusted RR - 1·72 (95 % CI 1·29, 2·29) and 2·12 (95 % CI 1·60, 2·81), respectively). Pakistani and Other South Asian infants were more likely to be fed sweetened foods (adjusted RR - 1·18 (95 % CI 1·13, 1·23) and 1·19 (95 % CI 1·10, 1·28), respectively) and Pakistani infants were more likely to consume sweetened drinks (adjusted RR 1·72 (95 % CI 1·15, 2·57)). No association between infant feeding practices and BMI at 3 years was observed. Although ethnic differences in infant feeding practices were found, there was no association with BMI at 3 years of age. Interventions targeting infant feeding practices need to consider ethnicity to identify which populations are failing to follow recommendations.
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Roberts LR, Lee JW. Autonomy and Social Norms in a Three Factor Grief Model Predicting Perinatal Grief in India. Health Care Women Int 2013; 35:285-99. [DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2013.801483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Roberts LR, Montgomery S, Lee JW, Anderson BA. Social and cultural factors associated with perinatal grief in Chhattisgarh, India. J Community Health 2012; 37:572-82. [PMID: 21956647 PMCID: PMC5321201 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-011-9485-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Stillbirth is a globally significant public health problem with many medical causes. There are also indirect causal pathways including social and cultural factors which are particularly salient in India's traditional society. The purpose of this study was to explore women's perceptions of stillbirth and to determine how issues of gender and power, social support, coping efforts, and religious beliefs influence perinatal grief outcomes among poor women in rural Chhattisgarh, India. Structured interviews were done face-to-face in 21 randomly selected villages among women of reproductive age (N=355) who had experienced stillbirth (n=178) and compared to those who had not (n=177), in the Christian Hospital, Mungeli catchment area. Perinatal grief was significantly higher among women with a history of stillbirth. Greater perinatal grief was associated with lack of support, maternal agreement with social norms, and younger maternal age. These predictors must be understood in light of an additional finding-distorted sex ratios, which reflect gender discrimination in the context of Indian society. The findings of this study will allow the development of a culturally appropriate health education program which should be designed to increase social support and address social norms, thereby reducing psychological distress to prevent complicated perinatal grief. Perinatal grief is a significant social burden which impacts the health women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Roberts
- In Your Best Interest Medical Clinic, 1201 Brookside Ave., Redlands, CA 92373, USA.
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Kotsapas C, Dixon C, Nauta M, Fakokunde A, Yoong W. Transcultural considerations in obstetrics and gynaecology: what the clinician needs to know. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2009; 29:175-80. [PMID: 19358019 DOI: 10.1080/01443610802716018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare professionals working in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology may encounter patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds, particularly in our inner cities. These women may have similar cultural beliefs and values about aspects of care they experience compared with native women, but they may also have differing beliefs and may present with preconceptions about the care they expect to receive. In our experience, traditional medical training has limited core teaching on the existence of such cultural variations, and professionals often only experience them through working in the clinical setting. This review was, therefore, undertaken with the aim of increasing awareness of such variations, in order to promote more holistic management, and ultimately to enhance patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kotsapas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK
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Abstract
The subject of perinatal autopsy is not frequently seen in the literature. Perinatal loss, particularly stillbirth, frequently remains unexplained, despite current technology and diagnostic procedures. Parents may automatically refuse an autopsy, despite the potentially valuable information it could provide about the current pregnancy and subsequent pregnancies and despite the possible comfort the results could provide for relatives. Other reasons for declining an autopsy could be cultural or religious prohibitions. In addition, healthcare providers sometimes lack the knowledge of circumstances under which a postmortem examination is permitted, and fail to use culturally sensitive and culturally competent discussions about the reasons a postmortem examination is important and permissible. This purpose of this article is to provide information on selected cultural and religious groups to assist the nurse who is seeking consent for a perinatal autopsy.
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Abstract
In Hindu communities, breastfeeding is nearly universal and continues for most children beyond infancy. This review examines the religious and cultural basis for the contemporary breastfeeding practices amongst the Hindu. Practices at the time of birth and feeding rituals like prelacteal feeds, importance and timing of complementary feeds, and protections for the breastfeeding mother are examined from the published medical literature and available religious texts. Hindu Vedic literature and ancient ayurvedic texts underscore the importance of breastfeeding in the Hindu society. Although almost every Hindu child gets some breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended duration and early initiation of breastfeeding are not that common. As birth of a baby is a celebration for family and society, breastfeeding is strongly influenced by cultural and religious ceremonies. In today's context, although women may receive guidance from health care professionals, relatives--especially grandmothers--have an important influence on breastfeeding practices.
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