View of Midwives regarding the use and integration of indigenous practices in the midwifery curriculum at Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Indigenous practices remain widely recognised within many communities and have the potential to enhance maternal care when appropriately integrated into midwifery education. Cultural safety is a critical component of midwifery practice, as it influences trust, communication, and care outcomes. The continued exclusion of indigenous practices from the midwifery curriculum may hinder effective rapport between midwives and pregnant women who rely on such practices during pregnancy. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the views of midwives regarding the use and integration of indigenous practices in midwifery curriculum in Capricorn district, Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design was employed. The study was conducted in rural based primary healthcare facilities, with purposive sampling used to select participants. Data saturation was achieved with 15 midwives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide and analysed using Tesch’s open coding method. Trustworthiness: credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability were ensured throughout the study. Results: The findings revealed persistent resistance to the integration of indigenous practices into the midwifery curriculum, primarily due to limited clinical evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. Participants expressed both positive and negative perceptions. Some believed that practices such as tying strings around the waist or carrying stones on the back prevented childbirth before reaching healthcare facilities, while others felt these practices hastened labour. Concerns were also raised about potential complications associated with indigenous practices. Participants recommended comprehensive training for midwives, further research to establish clinical relevance, and community education to promote safe maternal health practices. Conclusion: Although indigenous practices are widely acknowledged within communities, their integration into midwifery education is constrained by insufficient scientific evidence. The mixed perceptions highlight the complexity of these practices, underscoring the need for rigorous research, targeted midwifery training, and structured community education to support culturally sensitive and safe maternity care.