Conduct A Literature Search To Locate A Journal Article
Conduct A Literature Search To Locate A Journal Article Related To The
Conduct a literature search to locate a journal article related to the health or health care practices of Chinese people. Present a summary of the journal article, and examine how the information presented may impact your nursing practice. Please provide a copy of the journal article (or hyperlink) if possible. 400 words Guodong, D., Tian, Y., Yu, J., & Angela, V. (2018). Cultural postpartum practices of ‘doing the month’ in china. Perspectives in Public Health, 138 (3), . doi:
Paper For Above instruction
The practice of postpartum customs, particularly the Chinese tradition known as “doing the month” (zuo yuezi), encompasses specific health and cultural practices designed to facilitate recovery and health maintenance after childbirth. The journal article by Guodong et al. (2018) offers an in-depth exploration of these practices, emphasizing their cultural significance, underlying beliefs, and implications for health care providers working with Chinese women.
The article delineates the various components of “doing the month,” which traditionally involves confinement, specific dietary practices, and restrictions on activities such as bathing and physical movement. These customs stem from ancient Chinese philosophies emphasizing balance and harmony within the body, primarily grounded in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). For instance, women are encouraged to consume warm foods and avoid cold or raw foods, as these are believed to disrupt the body’s balance during the postpartum period. Additionally, strict restrictions on bathing and venturing outdoors are maintained to prevent “cold” from entering the body, which is thought to cause illness or health disturbances long-term.
Guodong et al. (2018) highlight how these cultural practices impact postpartum health behaviors among Chinese women. They argue that understanding these traditions is vital for nurses and health practitioners to provide culturally sensitive care. Recognizing that these practices are deeply rooted in cultural identity helps practitioners avoid dismissiveness and instead integrate respectful dialogue into their care plans. The study also discusses how the modernization of healthcare and urbanization influences these customs, with some women adopting more Westernized postpartum behaviors while others adhere strictly to traditional practices.
From a nursing perspective, understanding the cultural importance of “doing the month” can influence care strategies, patient education, and communication. Nurses should respect traditional postpartum practices that do not harm the patient and provide guidance that aligns with cultural beliefs. For example, supporting a woman’s dietary preferences rooted in her cultural beliefs while educating her about signs of postpartum complications fosters trust and improves health outcomes. Moreover, being aware of these cultural practices allows nurses to detect potential adverse effects, such as nutritional deficiencies or hygiene-related issues due to restrictions on bathing.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in healthcare delivery. As nurses encounter increasing diversity, understanding practices like “doing the month” enables the provision of respectful, effective, and culturally appropriate care. Incorporating cultural knowledge into practice supports holistic wellness and fosters a trusting nurse-client relationship, ultimately improving postpartum health outcomes among Chinese women.
References
Guodong, D., Tian, Y., Yu, J., & Angela, V. (2018). Cultural postpartum practices of ‘doing the month’ in China. Perspectives in Public Health, 138(3), 148–154. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913918760964