Abstract:
The study was conducted to determine the practices and reasons for the practices of Ibaloi, Ilocano and Kankana-ey ethno linguistic groups when it comes to postpartum care. Also, the study seeks to find out the perceived effects of the postpartum care practices among the Ibaloi, Ilocano and Kankana-ey ethno linguistic groups when age, educational attainment and occupation are considered.
The study utilized a mixed design. Stratified random sampling was used in the selection of respondents. More than that, the researchers used frequency count, weighted mean and Kruskal Wallis test in the data analysis.
The study was conducted within the borderland of La Trinidad, Benguet considering the three(3) most populated barangays which are Balili, Pico and Poblacion on January- March 2013.
The study led to the following findings: 1.) there are various practices observed by the Ibaloi, Ilocano and Kankana-ey ethno linguistic groups to address the common postpartum problems such as perineal pain, after pain, laceration and haemorrhage but have the same practice when it comes to addressing constipation and fatigue/weakness. Moreover there were other practices that are utilized by the respondents in the areas of nutrition, clothing and hygiene and these practices also vary from each group and the reasons behind these practices are the same for each ethno linguistic group; 2.) The perceived effect of the mother is beneficial when the Ibaloi, Ilocano and Kankana-ey to the health of the mother is beneficial when addressing the postpartum problems namely: perineal pain, after pain, laceration, haemorrhage, constipation, engorgement of breast and fatigue/weakness, also their respective practices in the areas of nutrition is perceived to be partially beneficial, while clothing and hygiene are perceived as beneficial; and 3.) there are no significant differences in the postpartum practices of Ibaloi, Ilocano and Kankana-ey ethno linguistic groups when age, educational attainment and occupation are considered.
In conclusion, ethnicity affects the postpartum practices of mothers in La Trinidad, Benguet and the ethno linguistic groups have the same reasons for their practices but a difference exists in what practice they adhere to; the practices utilized by respondents helped them to address the postpartum problems they encountered except in nutrition where their practices are only partially beneficial; lastly, the respondents adhere to their beliefs and practices regardless of age, educational attainment and occupation.
