Traditions and plant use during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery by the Kry ethnic group in Lao PDR
2011

Kry Ethnic Group's Use of Plants During Pregnancy and Childbirth

Sample size: 49 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lamxay Vichith, Hugo J de Boer, Lars Björk

Primary Institution: Department of Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University

Hypothesis

Cultural consensus based on postpartum plant use is affected by underlying variation in cultural traditions.

Conclusion

The study reveals that the Kry ethnic group uses a greater variety of medicinal plants for childbirth and postpartum recovery than previously reported.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identified 49 different plant species used in women's healthcare.
  • Plant use is culturally distinct from neighboring ethnic groups.
  • Medicinal plant use is more common than previously reported.

Takeaway

The Kry people use many different plants to help mothers and babies after childbirth, and their traditions are changing as they mix with other groups.

Methodology

Data were collected through group and individual interviews with women in three Kry villages.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from the selection of informants and the cultural context of interviews.

Limitations

The study may not capture all variations in plant use due to the small sample size and reliance on interviews.

Participant Demographics

The study involved 20 informants, including 13 women and 7 men, representing about 30% of all Kry households.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-4269-7-14

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