Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2010, 1(3):93-98

Sexual and reproductive health of women in terms of some social and cultural aspects

Martina Tomašíková

Institute of Non-Medical Study Programmes, Jessenius Medical Faculty in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava

Aim: In the paper we discuss the question of risk of selected social and cultural aspects of sexual and reproductive health of women, which takes place in the specific cultural-historical background.

Background: Models, which deal with sexual and reproductive health, can not provide an adequate answer to the question of the possible risk behavior of women and the significant people in her neighborhood. The risk factors themselves may be classified as behavioral or individual, or are environmental in nature. Methods and analysis: Risk assessment in the area of sexual and reproductive health of women, in terms of cultural and social characteristics, can be divided into several categories, which must be taken into consideration in providing culturally-competent care. They are for example the economic parameters, cultural problems, communication, perception of pain, menstruation, position at childbirth, solicitude for woman, significant people, care for newborn, breastfeeding and care for the woman in the postnatal period.

Conclusion: In terms of nursing and midwifery it is necessary to know these risk factors, to know the social (social status of the family and of the individual) and cultural context (elements of culture) of the individual person in providing comprehensive nursing and culturally-competent (suitable for all cultures in the terms of the dominant culture) solicitude.

Keywords: family, regulation of sexual behavior, reproductive function of the family, risk factors, culture, cultural competence

Published: September 30, 2010  Show citation