Development of a Culturally‐based Care Model for Muslim Mothers in a Rural Community in Southern Thailand

Abstract

This study applies community-based participatory research to develop a culturally-based care model for Muslim mothers. It was conducted in a rural community in one of the three southernmost provinces in Thailand from May 2013–June 2014. The study involved three groups of participants: 26 Muslim mothers and 17 of their husbands, 14 community and religious leaders, and 14 healthcare providers, including village health volunteers and traditional birth attendants. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and participatory observations. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The results indicate that the critical elements of a culturally-based care model include community partnerships and networks, cultural competence in care among healthcare providers, culturally-sensitive maternal care guidelines, trained village maternity care volunteers, and the adoption of a standard continuum of culturally-sensitive care. The culturally-based care model was implemented in harmony with religious practices, meeting cultural needs in order to improve maternal and child health in the rural community.