The College of Nursing examined the master’s thesis titled: “Association of Cultural Beliefs and Practices with Childbirth and Maternal Care-Seeking Behavior,” submitted by the graduate student Sahar Hadi Abdullah, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Rabia Mohsen Ali, held in the Diploma Hall of the college.
The study aimed to evaluate prevalent cultural beliefs and practices concerning childbirth and maternal care-seeking behavior, determine the extent of family and social influences, and examine the correlation between cultural belief systems and maternal decisions regarding healthcare utilization.
The thesis concluded that the majority of mothers exhibited moderate levels of cultural beliefs, practices, and familial/social influences. Notably, cultural beliefs demonstrated a statistically significant impact on maternal care-seeking behavior, whereas cultural practices alone showed no significant direct effect. Furthermore, healthcare-seeking patterns were significantly associated with specific sociodemographic characteristics of the participants.
The researcher recommended strengthening health education programs tailored for mothers regarding the vital importance of professional healthcare throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. It also emphasized providing culturally sensitive maternal healthcare services and reinforcing the role of the family in supporting positive health choices for maternal and neonatal well-being.
Following an extensive scientific defense, the thesis was successfully approved, and the researcher was awarded a Master’s degree with an Excellence rating.
This study aligns directly with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by advancing maternal health and reducing childbirth complications, Goal 4 (Quality Education) through enriching evidence-based nursing and healthcare education, Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by empowering women with reproductive health awareness, and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring equitable healthcare access that respects diverse cultural backgrounds.
