Relationship with some socio-demographic characteristics and traditional beliefs, practices about forecast and determination of baby gender during pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: This study was done to determine effects on health and traditional beliefs and practices of women about forecast and determination of  baby gender during pregnancy.
Material and Methods: The population of this descriptive and cross-sectional study was consisted of the women consulting to gynecology and obstetric policlinic of Gynecology-Maternity and Children Diseases Hospital in Ordu The 213 pregnant  who  accepted to take part in the study constituted the sample of the study. The research was conducted between 1 October and 31 December 2005. The research data were collected via a questionnaire. The analysis of the data was done with frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis test.
Findings: It was determined that 16.1% of women had traditional beliefs and practices about forecast and determination of baby gender during pregnancy, 34.0% of them used traditional methods during pregnancy. It was determined that 27.8% of them believed "partially" and 0.5% "most certainly" to traditional practices. These practices were seen "correct" and "effective" by women. It was established that 23.0% of women practiced "scissors-knife" method, 14.1% of them "ring" method for forecast of baby gender. It was determined that 4.2% of women had been read "praying by hodja" and 3.8% of them ate "bitter and sour"  for determination of  preferred fetal gender during pregnancy. It was found that four of women had health problems because they used traditional practices.
Conclusion: In current, women continue traditional beliefs and practices about forecast and determination of baby gender during pregnancy. Some of traditional beliefs and practices adversely may affect both themselves and their baby  in pregnancy. The health persons who in antenatal and postnatal care services should be evaluated about traditional beliefs and practices of women.