Concurrent Use of Cultural Health Practices and Western Medicine During Pregnancy: Exploring the Mexican Experience in the United States

Abstract

The relationship between concurrent use of cultural health practices and Western medicine during pregnancy by women of Mexican origin is relatively unstudied. The aim of this study was to explore how cultural health practices are balanced with the use of Western medicine during pregnancy by women of Mexican origin across differing acculturation levels. A convenience sample of 15 women of self-identified Mexican origin between the ages of 18-65 participated either in a telephone interview or one of two small group interviews; each was conducted in participants' preferred language. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic coding, and acculturation level was assessed using a validated measure. The results indicate that (1) Women of all acculturation levels valued Western medical care in pregnancy and had a good understanding of common public health messages; (2) Perceived benefits of and reasons for engaging in cultural health practices varied by acculturation level; and (3) Motivation for sharing cultural health practices with children also varied by acculturation level. Consequently, acculturation level is an important factor to consider in culturally competent genetic counseling, including eliciting cultural information relevant to counseling and decision-making and identifying barriers to effective, culturally sensitive communication.

Cultural beliefs on disease causation in the Philippines: challenge and implications in genetic counseling

“…As discussed, lihi refers to maternal cravings and this usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy (Jocano 1973). This is similar with antojos, a Mexican belief during pregnancy wherein an infant may be born with some characteristics based on the object of maternal cravings (Barragan et al 2011). …”

“…For example, when a genetic condition appears to have no apparent cause, the patient and the family may resort to use these beliefs as a form of rationalization to explain why they are affected. This is also illustrated in the study of Barragan et al (2011) where they suggested that cultural health practices may help patients comprehend and make sense of a disease condition that is otherwise overwhelming, and to have a perceived sense of control of the eventual outcomes of the condition. Sometimes, patients may also resort to these beliefs because these offer an explanation that is external to them which is easier to accept rather than to resort to an explanation that is internal to them (i.e., genetic mutation).…”

“…The similarities between pasma and yin-yang can probably be explained by Chinese influence to the Filipino's belief system as a result of active trade and social relations between the two that started even before the Philippines' colonial era (before 1500s) (Doeppers 1972). Pasma is also quite similar with the Mexican cultural belief of cuarentena which refers to the 40-day period following birth wherein the mother was prohibited from taking a bath to prevent becoming cold so that she may recover from childbirth easily and to prevent chronic illness (Barragan et al 2011). Pasma and cuarentena can both have Spanish roots since the two countries were once Spanish colonies.…”

“…Previous research has shown that cultural beliefs and patient's explanatory models of illness may influence their understanding of their condition, how they decide regarding medical management and treatment options, and how they cope with the condition (Bailey et al 2000;Barlow-Stewart et al 2006;Barragan et al 2011;Shyu et al 2010). Thus, awareness of cultural beliefs and acknowledgment of personal and patient's cultural context have been recommended in order to have successful genetic counseling consultations and positive patient outcomes (Sussner et al 2011;Sussner et al 2010;Zimmerman et al 2006).…”

“…A study of Mexican women that dealt with cultural health practices during pregnancy revealed that women have never disclosed any pregnancy-related cultural health practice to their health care provider because they were afraid that their health care provider might be dismissive and judgmental of their beliefs (Barragan et al 2011). Similarly, in a study in Taiwan, parents of children with autism were open to discuss their beliefs in the supernatural etiology of their child's condition after a trusting relationship with the researchers have been established (Shyu et al 2010).…”