Search

Introduction: A wide gap in knowledge exists about the factors associated with newborn care in rural Zambia. In this year of the nurse and midwife, the purpose of this article is to provide transcultural researchers with an example of how Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory (EST) can be used to guide an exploration of the cultural practices, knowledge, and beliefs of newborn care and health-seeking behaviors in rural Zambia. Methodology: Based on the EST, maternal knowledge represents the microsystem while family and community members embody the mesosystem. Health care organization denotes the exosystem with culture representing the macrosystem and health policy the chronosystem. Results: Numerous implications for transcultural nursing practice emerged from this adaptation of the ecological systems approach. Findings reveal a maternal dualism faced by Zambian mothers as they navigate the complex interplay between cultural newborn care practices and evidence-based newborn care promoted by the health care system. Discussion: Based on our proposed operationalization of the EST for a transcultural nursing study, the EST can be applied globally, further validating the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: People with sickle cell disease (SCD) often face stigmatization in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa. Research is needed to understand whether it is necessary to design an SCD stigma reduction program in the Ghanaian setting. The aim of this study was to explore the perception of stigmatization for adults with SCD in Kumasi, Ghana. Methodology: Using in-depth qualitative interviews, researchers conducted a phenomenological study to investigate the perception of stigmatization for people with SCD in Kumasi, Ghana. Snowball and purposive sampling was used to identify the participants. Results: Participants (n = 12) were mostly female, Akan, and Christian. Researchers categorized three main themes: (a) Feelings of social isolation, (b) Fear of disclosure, and (c) Bullying about physical appearance. Discussion: The findings highlight the need to develop effective strategies to counteract stigma. Transcultural health care providers can implement stigma reduction interventions that might be applicable throughout Africa where findings are likely to resonate with patients with SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]