CULTURAL BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF ILOCANO SPOUSES DURING THEIR WIVES' PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

Health care providers and organizations are increasingly embracing the concepts of culturally specific care. Educational and service organizations recognize the need to prepare students and staff to provide culturally sensitive and culturally competent care to individuals, families and communities that is reflective of a care that understands the values of culturally diverse communities and individual acculturation patterns. This study explored the cultural beliefs and practices of Ilocano fathers regarding their wives' pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting their roles as caretakers and stewards within their families. Using a historico-ethnographic research design, the study documented traditions emphasizing the Ilocano fathers' sense of responsibility, leadership, and dedication to family well-being. Practices such as adhering to food taboos, prohibiting strenuous activities for wives, and engaging in birthing rituals underscored the community's "culture of caring." Participants shared how these practices align with inherited traditions and reflect the intersection of cultural, spiritual, and familial values. Despite the modern maternity system in the Ilocos region, the study found that traditional practices persist and remain integral to family-centered care. Barriers such as gaps in cultural competence among healthcare providers were identified as challenges to integrating these practices into mainstream healthcare. The study advocates for strategic interventions, including cultural competence training for healthcare providers and collaborative efforts with local communities, to align healthcare services with the cultural norms of the Ilocano people. These findings highlight the critical need for culturally competent healthcare approaches that respect and integrate traditional beliefs into modern medical practices to foster holistic and effective care for families in culturally diverse settings.