Describes the social groupings, spiritual and religious beliefs, and customs that affect the way Vietnamese perceive childbearing and medical care. The cultural diversity of Vietnamese refugee families in the United States presents a challenge to obstetrical care. Among the key observations are that: (1) the broad social groupings in Vietnamese society reflect both differing socioeconomic status and different attitudes toward American culture, including little or no understanding, criticism, and acceptance; (2) the main religions of the Vietnamese inform childbearing practices and family values, including dietary restrictions and fasting that may compromise the nutritional status of a maternity patient (Cao Dai), the expectation of suffering in childbirth (Buddhism), the importance of ensuring that a newborn with a poor prognosis is baptized before death (Catholicism), disgrace attached to the birth of girl (Confucianism), and fear that evil spirits may steal the baby who is too lavishly admired (Spiritualism); and (3) a pregnant woman must respect certain taboos in order to deliver a healthy baby. To work effectively with Vietnamese maternity patients, health care practitioners should recognize the social and religious group with which the family identifies as well as their beliefs and customs surrounding pregnancy and childbirth.
