Health beliefs and practices related to pregnancy and childcare in Qatar: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand health beliefs and practices of Qatari women in the areas of pregnancy and childcare. Methods:A qualitative descriptive research design, using focus groups, was used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit college age Qatari women from six universities in Qatar. A total of 43 Qatari women participated in this study. NVivo 8 qualitative analysis software was used to analyze the collected data.Results: A lack of knowledge about pregnancy and childcare was found. Family, especially mothers, provided education and support to mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth, especially during the 40-day period after childbirth. A strong preference for having a large family and having sons to carry the family name was found. Although the Qatari society is changing, the husband and husband's family play a role in determining the number of children. Conclusion:Childbirth and childcare educational sessions are highly needed, in Qatar, but need to be provided in a culturally sensitive manner. Recommendations were elicited from the participants.

Childcare practices among teenage mothers in Ghana: a qualitative study using the ecological systems theory

“…Others who despite being pregnant for the first time, noted that they had already cared for their younger siblings and had some experiences in childcare practices. This is consistent with existing literature where there is documented evidence of the crucial role of the family, especially mothers in providing education on childcare to young mothers [ 32 ]. The childcare experiences of the teenage mothers were based on the use of common practices that were part of their family and community culture instead of scientific-based practices given by health professionals when caring for their babies [ 2 , 32 ].…”

“…This is consistent with existing literature where there is documented evidence of the crucial role of the family, especially mothers in providing education on childcare to young mothers [ 32 ]. The childcare experiences of the teenage mothers were based on the use of common practices that were part of their family and community culture instead of scientific-based practices given by health professionals when caring for their babies [ 2 , 32 ]. Moreover, we observed that some teenage mothers used methylated spirit and cotton wool, while others used ‘traditional means’, such as, herbal medicine mixed with powder, palm kernel oil, shea butter, a hot towel that is heated from hot stone on the cord stump as a common way of cleaning and caring for the child’s umbilical cord.…”

“…However, as conceptualised in the ecological systems theory, teenage mothers will need their mothers or guardians from the microsystem and open-minded healthcare providers that are willing to listen to them and help them overcome challenges with breastfeeding [ 13 ]. This is evident in a study conducted by Kridli, Ilori, and Verriest [ 32 ] that revealed that the family, mothers, mothers-in-law, and sometimes female relatives play a primary role in supporting the teenage mother in taking care of herself and her new-born after birth.…”

Management of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis in Qatar: an expert consensus

“…Planning a pregnancy provides a dilemma for patients with RRMS and their physicians, in which the risks of active treatment must be balanced with the risks of relapse if treatment is withdrawn 73 . Cultural issues around pregnancy may be particularly problematic in Middle-Eastern countries such as Qatar, as there is a widespread preference for achieving pregnancy early in marriage, followed by raising large families, so that some Qatari women may spend a substantial period of their childbearing years in pregnancy 74 .…”