Women's experiences of body image and baby feeding choices: Dealing with the pressure to be slender

This qualitative study was designed to assess postpartum women's body image in relation to feeding choices. Forty women aged 20–42 years, up to 3 years postpartum were interviewed through email. Participants were allocated to three groups; currently breastfeeding, former breastfeeding, or bottle-feeding. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, which revealed three key themes: attitude transition, celebrity comparisons, and emotional reactions to celebrity mothers. Analysis suggested that women with experience of breastfeeding viewed their body more functionally, which created feelings of appreciation and acceptance towards their bodies. The findings suggest that although breastfeeding does not necessarily protect women from body concerns and pressure for thinness, it allows women to see their body as an ‘instrument’ rather than an aesthetic ‘object’. Further research is required to confirm or challenge the current findings

Anthropology, health and illness: an introduction to the concept of culture applied to the health sciences

This article presents a reflection as to how notions and behavior related to the processes of health and illness are an integral part of the culture of the social group in which they occur. It is argued that medical and health care systems are cultural systems consonant with the groups and social realities that produce them. Such a comprehension is fundamental for the health care professional training.Este artículo presenta una reflexión acerca de como las nociones y comportamientos asociados a los procesos de salud y enfermedad están integrados a la cultura de los grupos sociales en los que estos procesos ocurren. Se argumenta que los sistemas médicos de atención a la salud, así como las respuestas dadas a la enfermedad son sistemas culturales que están en consonancia con los grupos y las realidades sociales que los producen. Comprender esta relación es crucial para la formación de profesionales en el área de la salud.O objetivo deste artigo foi apresentar uma reflexão de como as noções e comportamentos ligados aos processos de saúde e de doença integram a cultura de grupos sociais onde os mesmos ocorrem. Argumenta-se que os sistemas médicos de atenção à saúde, assim como as respostas dadas às doenças, são sistemas culturais, consonantes com os grupos e realidades sociais que os produzem. A compreensão dessa relação se mostra fundamental para a formação do profissional da saúde

Lean manufacturing, culture and their role on sustainability: A case study in the Chinese automotive industry

This paper focuses on lean manufacturing and culture and how they influence the sustainability initiatives of an Automotive company in China. The principle of lean manufacturing is widely applied in the automotive industry worldwide. The last few decades have witnessed the accelerating pace of China’s continued emergence as a major industrial power. With the globalisation of multinational corporations and the development of domestic automotive enterprises, there is an increasing number of cross-cultural motor manufacturing companies starting their business in China. In these companies, cultural diversity is an important factor that affects the management strategies. Using a case study approach, this paper shows the relevant themes on the role of lean manufacturing and culture on the sustainability initiatives taken by the company

An evaluation of family physicians' educational needs and experiences in health promotion and disease prevention in Poland and Lithuania - a qualitative study

Reikšminiai žodžiai: Ligų prevencija; Sveikatos stiprinimas; Šeimos gydytojai; Šeimos gydytojų rengimas; Šeimos gydytojų švietimo poreikiai; Disease prevention; Family physicians; Family physicians educational needs; Health promotion; Training of family physician

Realizing autonomy in responsive relationships

The goal of this article is to augment the ethical discussion among nurses with the findings from empirical research on autonomy of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are many factors influencing autonomy. These include: health conditions, treatment, knowledge, experience and skills, personal approach as well as familial patterns, type of relationship, life history and social context. Fifteen older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were interviewed in a nurse-led diabetes clinic. These participants perceive three processes which support autonomy in responsive relationships: preserving patterns of concern and interaction, nurturing collaborative responsibilities and being closely engaged in trustful and helpful family relations. People with diabetes realize autonomy in various responsive relationships in their unique life context. Next, we performed a literature review of care ethics and caring in nursing with regard to relational autonomy. We classified the literature in five strands of care: attitude-oriented, dialogue-oriented, activity-oriented, relationship-oriented and life-oriented. According to our respondents, autonomy in responsive relationships is fostered when patient, nurses, professionals of the health team and family members carry out care activities supported by a relational attitude of care. They can best realize autonomy in relationships with others when several essential aspects of care and caring are present in their lives. Therefore, we advocate a comprehensive approach to care and caring

Use of medicinal plants by black women: ethnography study in a low-income community

Objective To explore beliefs, values and practices related to the use of medicinal plants among low-income black families. Method The research method was ethnography and the participant observation process was done in a low-income community in the peripheral area of the City of São Paulo. Twenty black women were interviewed. Results Two cultural sub-themes, I do use medicines that I learned to make with my mother and with religious practitioners to care for diseases and Home medicines are to treat problems that are not serious, and the cultural theme I do use home medicines to treat simple diseases because I always have them at my disposal, they are free and I don’t need a medical prescription represent beliefs, values, and practices related to the use of medicinal plants among low-income black families. Conclusion The development of such practices, which can hide ethnic and social vulnerability, reveals the resilience of low-income black women in the process of confronting problems during the health-illness process