Original scientific paper
Traditional Practices of Turkish Infertile Women: An Example from a Rural County
Evsen Nazik
orcid.org/0000-0001-5464-4467
; Cukurova University, Department of Nursing, Adana, Turkey
Serap Apay
orcid.org/0000-0003-0978-1993
; Ataturk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Midwifery Department, Erzurum, Turkey
Funda Özdemir
; Ankara University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Ankara, Turkey
Hakan nazik
; Adana Numune Research and Education Hospital, Adana, Turkey
Abstract
Infertility is not only a health problem, but is also a central existential intrapersonal and relational confl ict. Infertility
treatments are invasive, expensive, time-consuming, emotionally draining. All over the world there are numerous
traditional methods used in the treatment of infertility. This investigation was carried out to determine the traditional
practices of infertile women in a rural county in Eastern Turkey. This is a descriptive study carried out in 105 primary
infertile women. Data were collected between September 2007 and April 2008 by using a questionnaire. Data analysis
included descriptive statistics. 55% of the women were in the 25–34 year age range. It was observed that only 17% of the
women applied to a gynecologist without using any traditional applications while 83% of the women applied for traditional
applications. The most prevalent traditional practices were consulting traditional healers, visiting mausoleums
where religious leaders were buried, using traditional drugs, use of written fertility amulets. Various traditional practices
against infertility are prevalent rural counties. Some of these practices may be potentially harmful for women. Health
professionals should be aware that infertile women may sometimes follow questionable traditional practices and advices.
Keywords
women’s health; traditional practices in Turkey; infertility; infertile women
Hrčak ID:
147674
URI
Publication date:
30.3.2015.
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