Exploring cultural determinants to be integrated into preterm infant care in the neonatal intensive care unit: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Background Cultural practices are an integral part of childrearing and remain a significant aspect for healthcare professionals to ensure culturally sensitive care, particularly in the neonatal intensive care unit. Objective To synthesise literature on the cultural determinants that can be integrated into care of preterm infants admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods The current review followed the integrative literature review steps proposed by Lubbe and colleagues. The registration of the review protocol was in PROSPERO. There was a literature search conducted in the EBSCOhost, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases using the search string developed in collaboration with the librarian. Three reviewers employed a three-step screening strategy to screen the articles published in English between 2011 and 2021 that focused on culturally sensitive care. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Evidence critical appraisal toolkit assessed the methodological quality of the articles included at the full-text screening level. Results There were 141 articles retrieved, and 20 included on the full-text screening level; the exclusion of one article was due to a low critical appraisal grade. Four topical themes emerged from 19 articles: spiritual care practices, intragenerational infant-rearing practices, infant physical care practices, and combining treatment practices. Conclusion Overall, the findings indicated that parental cultural beliefs and practices mostly influenced infant-rearing practices, emphasising the significance of integrating cultural practices when rendering healthcare services. The recommendation is that healthcare professionals understand various cultural determinants, mainly those specific to the community they serve, to provide culturally sensitive care.

Challenges Faced by Healthcare Providers in Delivering High-Quality Care to Neonates in Ghana and West Africa

“…Socioeconomic disparities contribute significantly to disparities in access and utilization of healthcare services among different populations. [41][42][43][44] Additionally, cultural beliefs and practices can influence parental attitudes towards seeking medical assistance for their neonates or adhering to recommended treatments. [45][46][47][48][49] Assessing the standards of care in relation to the standard operating system for neonatal care highlights several areas needing improvement within Ghana's healthcare system.…”

Muslim and Christian Women’s Perceptions of the Influence of Spirituality and Religious Beliefs on Motherhood and Child-Rearing: A Phenomenological Study

“…In a multicultural society, this model provides a theoretical and practical framework for broadening knowledge of practices, healthrelated beliefs and other issues that shape the experiences of people with different cultural backgrounds [24]. Nyaloko et al [25] state that "cultural practices are an essential part of raising children and they are important enough for healthcare providers to ensure culturally sensitive care". As an example of this matter, Firdous et al [26] suggest that practicing Islam has a profound impact on motherhood, influencing the timing of having children, the family size, contraceptive decision-making, fertility treatments, and other childbearing and postpartum issues.…”