Abstract
BackgroundIndigenous practices (IPs) are experiences generated by people who are living in a specific regional context and cultural group. IPs are shaped by cultural traits that are passed from one generation to the next. IPs practices are rooted and embedded in society and, therefore, the practices become part of the people’s lifestyle. It is difficult to try and change these practices as people have adhered to them throughout their entire lives. The believe system plays a major role in health care seeking behaviour of individuals because they are informed by the IPs that are observed in their environment.ObjectivesTo explore and describe the IPs of pregnant women at Dilokong hospital in Limpopo province.MethodA qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual research design was used for the participants to describe the IPs used by pregnant women. Data were collected through unstructured one-on-one interviews.ResultsThe following four themes with sub-themes emerged from the data: IPs based on ancestral knowledge; IPs based on spiritual diviners versus church principles; restricted practices versus instructions followed during pregnancy; and labour and IPs during labour and delivery.ConclusionIPs are regarded as an honourable health intervention by traditional health practitioners (THPs), families and pregnant women. IPs like cords around women’s waists are still observed during physical examinations. However, there is a reduction of prescribed indigenous oral medication used to accelerate labour because of their potential toxicity.
Highlights
Introduction and backgroundIndigenous practices (IPs) are expressed in songs, dances, beliefs, rituals, cultural values, myths, and the treatment of diseases by using herbs
The following four themes with sub-themes emerged from the data: IPs based on ancestral knowledge; IPs based on spiritual diviners versus church principles; restricted practices versus instructions followed during pregnancy; and labour and IPs during labour and delivery
IPs are regarded as an honourable health intervention by traditional health practitioners (THPs), families and pregnant women
Summary
Introduction and backgroundIndigenous practices (IPs) are expressed in songs, dances, beliefs, rituals, cultural values, myths, and the treatment of diseases by using herbs. There is a need for the health care system to learn more about IPs in order to create a platform for the integration of services between Western medicine and IPs. In South Africa the THPs and indigenous birth attendance have been legalised under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act, Act 22 of 2007 (South Africa 2008:6). In South Africa the THPs and indigenous birth attendance have been legalised under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act, Act 22 of 2007 (South Africa 2008:6) It is, imperative for midwives to understand the IPs of pregnant women. The study conducted by Peltzer, Phaswana-Mafuya and Treger (2009:159) points out that THPs use IPs either to prevent or to heal childhood illness With this background, the researcher was motivated to conduct a scientific research study about the indigenous practices (IPs) of pregnant women at the Dilokong hospital of the Greater Tubatse municipality in Limpopo province. The believe system plays a major role in health care seeking behaviour of individuals because they are informed by the IPs that are observed in their environment
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