Experiences of Thai Pregnant Women in Preventing Birth Defects

• Main Author: Oradee Choksawat
• Other Authors: Associate Professor Dr. Kasara Sripichyakan
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: เชียงใหม่ : บัณฑิตวิทยาลัย มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ 2020
• Online Access: http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/69756
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

Preventing birth defects has been identified as one national goal of Thai public health. However, a lack of knowledge contributes to the effectiveness of birth defects prevention. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to describe the experiences of Thai pregnant women in preventing birth defects. Eighteen pregnant women without high risks in Ubon Ratchathani province were purposively selected. Data collection through in-depth interviews and analysis was carried out from November 2017 until August 2019. The obtained data were analyzed by thematic analysis using 6 steps recommended by Braun and Clarke (2006). Trustworthiness was achieved through member checking and peer debriefing. The informants’ experiences of preventing birth defects were captured under four themes. The first was ‘eating the selected food’ including eating nutritious food, avoiding unsafe food, and contemplating how to attain the selected food. Secondly, ‘attaining healthiness’ was attempted by enhancing physical fitness, taking vitamins/mineral supplements, having no stress, and caring for an unborn baby. The third, ‘being free from harm,’ was attained by keeping safe while working, distancing from toxic substances, and dealing with illness/medicines. The last was ‘following personal beliefs’ including the beliefs about a strong/healthy-Krob 32 (no deformity) baby, a mother-child connection, and traditional-contemporary beliefs. These findings provide deep insight about preventing birth defects based on the experiences of Thai pregnant women. The knowledge gained contributes to the further development of health care services for promoting fetal development and preventing birth defects that are correspondent with Thai pregnant women’s nature and context.