Abstract
Thai hospitals increasingly integrate local wisdom into postpartum care.1 Tai-Yuan, an ethnic Tai group from the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is distinguished by their unique dialect and cultural practices that continue to thrive in various regions of Thailand.2 Nakhon Ratchasima Province Thailand’s Tai-Yuan community maintain cultural practices that combine Buddhist beliefs with ancestral wisdom. While traditional practices show beneficial properties,3-4 understanding of caregivers' experiences is limited. This research explored the experiences of caregivers providing postpartum care for Tai-Yuan women.
We employed Heidegger’s interpretative phenomenology to collect data from seven primary caregivers via semi-structured interviews. Analysis followed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis guidelines,5 with trustworthiness established using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.6
Findings revealed four themes 1) Dynamic Knowledge Transmission - adapting traditional wisdom to contemporary contexts; 2) Judicious Integration of Knowledge - combining traditional and modern practices; 3) Preservation of Cultural Identity - maintaining core beliefs while adapting to modern healthcare, and 4) Holistic Healthcare Approach - addressing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
The findings support developing integrated care combining traditional and modern practices while respecting cultural values. Thai traditional wisdom, particularly in postpartum care, demonstrates remarkable adaptability by integrating ancient practices with modern approaches while maintaining its core therapeutic benefits.3,7 Healthcare providers should understand clients' cultural beliefs and promote family and community participation in postpartum care.
Notes
References:
1. Laokhomoruttajarn J. The development of postpartum mother and infant health care model using local wisdom in Chaiyaphum Provincial Administrative Organization. Research and Development Health System Journal. 2022;15(2):240-53.
2. Ratanajoto (Sonthivej) PS. Buddhist monks and participation in preserving ethnic culture in Ratchaburi Province. Journal of Interdisciplinary Innovation Review. 2023 May-Jun;6(3):165-177.
3. Kammeeon S, Tongthong K, Puttaruk L, Protipaison C, Rattanachompu P, Philawan N, et al. The Survey of Knowledges in Postpartum Health care with Thai Traditional Medicine in Ban Chit Subdistrict, Ku Kaeo District, Udon Thani Province. Journal of Traditional Thai Medical Research. 2023;9(2):87-104.
4. Laokhompruttajan J, Laokhompruttajan T, Kanjanasit W, Wongwai N. Local wisdom in health: Integrations to learning management in caring for postpartum mothers. Regional Health Promotion Center 9 Journal. 2023;17(2):618-30.
5. Smith, J. A., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2009). Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory, method and research. SAGE Publications.
6. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage Publications.
7. Sakulphom S, Santipab P, Jayathavaj V, Chantraket R, Silawan T. Thai folk medicine for postpartum care in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Thai Journal of Health Education. 2020 Jul-Dec;43(2):107-118.
Sigma Membership
Alpha Eta
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Phenomenology
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Primary Care, Traditional Postpartum Care, Cultural Health Integration, Tai-Yuan Caregivers
Recommended Citation
Elter, Prangthip Thasanoh; Vorawalai, Namfon; and Phota, Palita, "Integrating Traditional and Modern Postpartum Care by Tai-Yuan Caregivers: A Phenomenological Study" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 206.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/206
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Integrating Traditional and Modern Postpartum Care by Tai-Yuan Caregivers: A Phenomenological Study
Seattle, Washington, USA
Thai hospitals increasingly integrate local wisdom into postpartum care.1 Tai-Yuan, an ethnic Tai group from the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is distinguished by their unique dialect and cultural practices that continue to thrive in various regions of Thailand.2 Nakhon Ratchasima Province Thailand’s Tai-Yuan community maintain cultural practices that combine Buddhist beliefs with ancestral wisdom. While traditional practices show beneficial properties,3-4 understanding of caregivers' experiences is limited. This research explored the experiences of caregivers providing postpartum care for Tai-Yuan women.
We employed Heidegger’s interpretative phenomenology to collect data from seven primary caregivers via semi-structured interviews. Analysis followed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis guidelines,5 with trustworthiness established using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.6
Findings revealed four themes 1) Dynamic Knowledge Transmission - adapting traditional wisdom to contemporary contexts; 2) Judicious Integration of Knowledge - combining traditional and modern practices; 3) Preservation of Cultural Identity - maintaining core beliefs while adapting to modern healthcare, and 4) Holistic Healthcare Approach - addressing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
The findings support developing integrated care combining traditional and modern practices while respecting cultural values. Thai traditional wisdom, particularly in postpartum care, demonstrates remarkable adaptability by integrating ancient practices with modern approaches while maintaining its core therapeutic benefits.3,7 Healthcare providers should understand clients' cultural beliefs and promote family and community participation in postpartum care.
Description
Thai-Yuan caregivers in Nakhon Ratchasima blend traditional and modern postpartum practices. Using Heidegger's phenomenology, we interviewed seven caregivers. Analysis revealed four themes: knowledge transmission, practice integration, cultural preservation, and holistic care. Findings support developing integrated care that respects cultural values. Healthcare providers should promote family participation in culturally-sensitive care.