Determination of traditional methods applied by Iraqi mothers for childhood diseases

Iraq is a traditional Middle Eastern country with a multinational social structure. It is estimated that traditional practices are frequently applied to mothers and children due to the large number of children and women population, regional differences brought about by the state system and underdevelopment. For this reason, this study was carried out to determine the traditional methods used by Iraqi mothers in childhood diseases. The research was carried out in the emergency department, inpatient service and intensive care unit of Al-Batool Women and Children Teaching Hospital in Diyala Governorate. The population and sample of the study was planned to include women registered in Diyala center. In this regard, the research population consists of 384 women between the ages of 20 and 49 in Diyala city center. The data of the study was collected with the data collection form created by the researcher according to the literature. The percentage and number of multiple-choice and open-ended answers to 10 questions regarding some demographic information about the mother and common disorders in children were evaluated. It was determined that 33% of the mothers participating in the study were over 35 years of age, 75.4% were married, 68.6% lived in the city center, 7.6% had 1 or 2 children die, 5.8% had miscarriages. Additionally, it was determined that 42.7% percent of mothers had 3 or more living children. When we look at the traditional methods used by Iraqi mothers; 55.5% recommend taking a cold shower when the child's fever rises, 43.5% go to the nearest health center or hospital when the child has pain, 60.7% prefer to that if the child is constipated, they should drink more water. 61.0% recommend having the child sit on something warm if child has diarrhea. 52.1% of them prefer to give dates, sugar or honey to the child if teething is delayed. 52.9% stated that they prefer to good heating in case the child has a cold, 62.0% prefer to that if the child has a cough, they should ensure that child consume hot liquids. 41.4% prefer to that if the child has jaundice, they should expose the child to light and sun. 42.1% stated that they prefer to use cold or hot compresses if the child has an ear infection, 30.6% prefer to use eyeliner if the child's eye is infected. It was observed that most of the participants used herbal mixtures for traditional treatment. Sage (10.56%), basil (7.5%), molasses (8.86%), onion (5.00%), willow tree leaf and ginger-honey-lemon mixture (11.67%) were used by mothers, eucalyptus oil (2.22%), wolfsbane plant (7.78%), rose water and tea (15.28%) plants are preferred. In line with these results, the importance of evidence-based practices in care is emphasized and it is recommended that parents provide comprehensive care that meets cultural and medical standards by combining the wisdom of traditions with the benefits of modern medicine.