Experiences of Nurses about Traditional Practices Encountered in Women and Newborns

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the experiences of nurses working in the obstetric and neonatalfields regarding the traditional practices and their results they encounter. Method: The phenomenological researchdesign, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study, and the data were collected by focus groupinterview method. Four focus group interviews, each of which consisted of about 6-8 participants, a moderator, andan assistant, were held. The data obtained from the interviews were first analyzed in terms of content, and thenthemes have emerged. Results: In the interviews, it was determined that nurses experienced many traditionalpractices for women and newborns. The findings of the study are grouped under three themes and 14 categories.These themes; "traditional practices and consequences encountered in woman health", "traditional practices fornewborn health and the consequences", and "the motivations for the implementation of traditional methods".Conclusion: Nurses observed many traditional practices. They have experienced that these traditional practices oftenhave harmful effects on women's and newborn health.