Traditional practices in post-partum care among Indonesian and Filipino mothers: a comparative study

: This study was conducted to assess the traditional practices in post-partum care among Indonesian and Filipino
mothers to propose a program to improve maternal and child health. The study utilized a descriptive research design for
Indonesian mother respondents (n=110) and Filipino mother-respondents (n=119) conveniently selected. Traditional practices on
post-partum care focused on hygienic care, behavioral precautions, breastfeeding, baby care; dietary modifications; and physical
activities. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage), weighted mean, and independent t-test were used to describe and
analyze quantitative information. Four dimensions, including hygienic care (p-value 0.038); breastfeeding and baby care (p-value
0.000); dietary modifications (p-value 0.000); and physical activities (p-value 0.000), showed a statistically significant difference
in the assessment of mother respondents on their traditional practices in post-partum care. Meanwhile, the dimension on
behavioral precautions (p-value 0.250) yielded statistically no significant difference on the assessment of mother respondents
on their traditional practices in post-partum care. Four dimensions, including hygienic care (p-value 0.038); breastfeeding and
baby care (p-value 0.000); dietary modifications (p-value 0.000); and physical activities (p-value 0.000), showed a statistically
significant difference in the assessment of mother respondents on their traditional practices in post-partum care. Meanwhile, the
dimension on behavioral precautions (p-value 0.250) yielded statistically no significant difference on the assessment of mother
respondents on their traditional practices in post-partum care.
Key words: Traditional, Practices, Postnatal Care, Cultural Diversity, Indonesia, Philippines.