Health problems and factors associated with traditional Thai medicine preferences among postpartum mothers: a cross-sectional analytical study in northeastern Thailand

Introduction: Traditional Thai medicine (TTM) postpartum care is a cultural therapeutic physical activity designed to restore bodily heat and four-element balance through eleven structured practices. While these methods-including thermal therapies and manual physical interventions—are integral to maternal recovery, academic evidence regarding maternal preferences and their adaptive significance remains limited. Objective: This study assessed postpartum health problem levels, examined maternal preferences for eleven TTM methods, and determined associated factors among postpartum mothers in northeastern Thailand, framed within Rubin’s Postpartum Adaptation Theory. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 480 postpartum mothers in Ubon Ratchathani Province, recruited via multi-stage probabilistic sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to identify associated factors. Results: Mothers reported moderate levels of health problems, with adaptation-related issues and functional dependency being most prominent. Preference for TTM was high, particularly for heat-based and physical therapy modalities. Educational attainment, prior birthing experience, and socioeconomic interpersonal risks were found to be significantly associated with TTM preferences (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that TTM preferences are closely related to the maternal transition and the need for functional recovery. Integration of these culturally grounded physical activities into contemporary maternal care could enhance postpartum adaptation.