Perspectives of primary healthcare nurses on cultural practices contributing to late antenatal booking in South Africa

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Primary health care (PHC) nurses are crucial in reducing late antenatal booking and early detection of pregnancy-related conditions to enhance the best perinatal outcomes. Research confirms that early antenatal care is a key intervention to safe motherhood, aimed at preventing perinatal adverse events; however, cultural practices of pregnant women have a role to play in late antenatal booking. AIM : This study explored and discussed the cultural practices of antenatal clients that contribute to late antenatal booking as related by PHC nurses. SETTING : This study was conducted at PHC facilities in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. METHODS : Following qualitative phenomenological design, PHC nurses’ perceptions of cultural practices of antenatal clients contributing to delayed antenatal booking were explored and described. Purposeful sampling was followed to sample PHC nurses with three or more years of experience to respond to in-depth, open-ended questions. Colaizzi’s thematic data analysis was used to facilitate emerging themes and sub-themes. Measures of trustworthiness were ensured for this study. RESULTS : Results show that PHC nurses believe that antenatal clients intentionally book late and use herbs and religious interventions. Furthermore, PHC nurses neglect the cultural practices of antenatal clients. CONCLUSION : Primary health care nurses may encourage trusting relationships by making cultural adjustments and increasing cultural competency, which may increase early antenatal booking, reduce the use of harmful interventions and improve positive perinatal outcomes. CONTRIBUTIONS : This study contributed to an awareness of cultural inertia among PHC nurses, which may be averting clients from openness to health promotion provided at PHC facilities.