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Evaluation of Postpartum Women’s Knowledge and Practice Regarding Traditional and Complementary Medicine After Cesarean Section
Hümeyra Yüksel1, Sümeyye Akçoban2, Hafize Dağ Tu&776;zmen31Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kütayha Evliya Çelebi Training and Research Hospital, Kütahya, Türkiye2Department of Health Care Services, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Kırıkhan Vocational School, Home Health Care Program, Hatay, Türkiye
3Department of Midwifery, KTO Karatay University Faculty of Health Sciences, Konya, Türkiye
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels and experiences of women regarding traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practices following cesarean delivery. With the increasing rates of cesarean sections, complications such as pain, infection, and prolonged recovery have become more common, leading women to seek supportive interventions during the postpartum period. However, research on this topic in Türkiye is limited.
METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 82 women who had undergone cesarean delivery at least 2 years prior. Participants were recruited using snowball and convenience sampling methods, and data were collected through an online survey between May and August 2025. The data collection tools included a “Descriptive Information Form” and the “Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitude Scale (TCMAS).” Data analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0.
RESULTS: Of the participants, 68.2% had used at least one TCM method after cesarean delivery. The most commonly preferred practices were herbal teas/mixtures (30.5%), heat applications (11.0%), and massage (7.3%). Participants primarily learned about these practices through their own research (24.4%) and the Internet/social media (13.4%). The mean TCM attitude scale score was 111.26±21.12, indicating that women generally had a positive attitude toward TCM. A significant difference was found between women who considered TCM practices harmful and those who considered them harmless (p=0.027).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that women show interest in and have a positive attitude toward TCM practices after cesarean delivery. However, these practices are often applied irregularly and without sufficient knowledge. It is important for healthcare professionals to provide guidance and education on TCM during postpartum care.
Keywords: Cesarean section, health attitude, knowledge level, postpartum care, practice experience, traditional and complementary medicine.
Manuscript Language: English