Abstract of Master’s Dissertation
No.1
CourseMaster of Public Health

NameSuong DavyA case study on the influence of traditional beliefs and practices on maternal
ThesisTitle

healthcare in post-delivery in Chhouk Operational District, Kampot Province,
Cambodia

Abstract of Master’s Dissertation
Background: In Cambodia, postpartum mothers commonly follow traditional beliefs and practices in thepostpartum phase, focusing on warming the body through diet, steaming, and other heat applications andobtaining injections from private healthcare practitioners. The effects of these traditional beliefs andpractices on maternal and child health are not adequately documented; therefore, the need to explore thereasons and challenges that contribute to the continuity of these practices among postpartum mothers.

Objectives: To explore the influence of Khmer traditional beliefs and practices on postpartum mothers'
health-seeking behavior in Chhouk Operational District, Kampot Province, Cambodia.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted from July- September 2022 in Chhouk Operational District,Kampot Province, Cambodia. Postpartum mothers and midwives were purposively selected as key
informants. In-depth interviews were conducted among six postpartum mothers who consented toparticipate at their residences. Three focus group discussions, each with eight midwives, were conducted at
the Chhouk Operational District office. The interviews and discussions were conducted using the research
topic guides in the Khmer language, and the recorded audio was transcribed and translated into English.
Thematic analysis was adapted to identify recurring themes of traditional beliefs and practices, theirinfluences, reasons, and midwives' challenges.

＊ The abstract, containing background, objectives, methods, results and conclusion should notexceed 300-500words and printed double sided on A4 paper)

Abstract of Master’s Dissertation
No.2
CourseMaster of Public Health

Name

Suong Davy

Results: The study finding showed that postpartum mothers followed forms of traditional beliefs

and practices, namely, the use of Khmer medicine (Thnam Khmer) in boiled water, Khmermedicine (Thnam Khmer) soaked in Khmer rice wine (Sra Thnam), restricted diets, roasting on
charcoal and pressing hot stone on the abdomen. Additionally, there was a shift to alternative
forms of warming the body by using medical heat injections and oral heat medicine. Midwives
perceived these practices negatively affect mothers' and babies' health with slight advantages.
Factors to follow the practices were influenced by advice from grandmothers and family
members. Midwives' challenges in implementing maternal and newborn care were related to theduration of postpartum mothers wanting to stay at the health center, misinformation andfollow-up dates, mothers' and family advice, and economic status.

Conclusion: The research paper explored and reflected on the influence of Khmer traditional beliefsand practices on postpartum mothers' health-seeking behavior. Despite its adverse effects and banningpromotion against the Khmer traditional practice still exists. It is mainly due to advice from thegrandmothers and family members. It might be reasonable to make the mother's body warm to facilitate
circulation in the body; therefore, traditional practices may be reasonable in their local context, so itcannot be ignored to some extent. Continuous dialogue between healthcare professionals andcommunity members would be the only solution to improve maternal and neonatal health.