Cultural considerations in Cambodian childrearing.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to explore childrearing practices and beliefs of Cambodian refugees. Cambodians, a culturally distinct group, are increasing in number in the United States. They are in need of health care and childrearing advice, but Cambodian childrearing practices and beliefs are not well documented.


METHODS
A descriptive study was conducted to investigate Cambodian families' cultural childrearing practices and beliefs. Participant-observation techniques were used, and interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 28 Cambodians.


RESULTS
Three themes emerged: Buddhism is deeply embedded in Cambodian culture; the family is the basic, most important structure in the life and identity of a Cambodian; and life is set and ordered within a hierarchical structure. Childrearing practices are set up to teach and reinforce these beliefs.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses offering advice regarding childrearing practices must respect the client's value system. Nurses must continue to ask and share cultural information while developing mutually acceptable guidelines for care.
Kelley
B R
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002160:Cambodia / Q000208:ethnology; D002648:Child; D002668:Child Rearing / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009511:New England; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016746:Transcultural Nursing