Traditional postpartum rituals among immigrant and non-immigrant Chinese women.

Due to cultural and systemic factors, Chinese-Canadians tend to use mental health services less or when mental health problems are more severe. Services need to be more culturally responsive in their treatment of mental illness. Around important life events, when there may be heightened vulnerability to mental illness, this is especially important. In this study, postpartum cultural practices were examined among recent immigrant, longer-term immigrant, and Canadian-born Chinese women. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of 493 women in Toronto, Ontario, with livebirths in 2011-2014. Participants completed a demographic survey and Postpartum Rituals Questionnaire. Most women (82.2%) practiced at least one postpartum ritual. Younger age (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-0.99) and greater participation in the heritage culture (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.02-1.61) were associated with ritual practice. From among five types of postpartum rituals identified (i.e., avoidance of homeostatic disturbances, dietary practices, wind avoidance, organized support, and cold avoidance), dietary practices were most commonly undertaken and cold avoidance was least commonly undertaken. There were differences in postpartum ritual patterns by immigration status, with immigrant women being more likely to undertake a greater number of rituals, to attribute these rituals to Chinese culture, and to ascribe health benefits to these rituals and being less likely to feel forced into performing these rituals. Our findings underscore the importance of clinicians becoming more aware of Chinese postpartum rituals to provide women with culturally competent and patient-centered care.

Wellness Tour for Tribal Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Uniting Sacred Space with Western Medicine to Prevent Substance Use.

Substance use disorders (SUD) and overdose deaths worsened further during the Covid-19 pandemic in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. The Native Dad's Network (NDN) delivered the Wellness Tour, offering cultural activities and SUD prevention education, from March 2021 to June 2022, to 11 AIAN tribal communities across California. The in-person program created a "sacred space" through culturally congruent song, dance, and prayer. SUD education included: a lecture about opioids and SUD; group talking circles; an educational skit led by adolescents; and training in naloxone and fentanyl testing strip use along with supplies. After the day-long program, 341 participants agreed strongly on a 5-point Likert type question that it improved their quality of life (mean = 4.7). Among 243 respondents, agreement was strong (mean = 4.8) to two Likert-type questions about cultural relevance and confidence in using naloxone. This AIAN-led program adopted safe practices during the pandemic to deliver culturally congruent SUD prevention education to severely affected AIAN communities.

Nursing care for the Warao people: an experience report based on transcultural theory / Cuidados de Enfermería del pueblo Warao: un informe de experiencia basado en la teoría transcultural / Cuidados de Enfermagem ao povo Warao: um relato de experiência baseado na teoria transcultural

ABSTRACT Objective: To report on the experience of nurses from the Street Clinic in caring for the Indigenous Venezuelan population of the Warao ethnic group in Maceió/AL based on Madeleine Leininger's Transcultural Theory. Metodology: A descriptive study, of the experience report type, based on the care of the Warao Indigenous population in the light of Madeleine Leininger's Transcultural Theory, carried out during the year 2022. Results: Light technologies were used to form bonds and understand the cultural universe of the Warao people. The concepts of preservation, accommodation and cultural restructuring of care from Leininger's transcultural theory helped to elucidate the practice. Comprehensive care was offered in accordance with the programs recommended by the Ministry of Health, with transcultural care, including respect for refusal of care. The language barrier and health beliefs represented challenges in the context of singular care. Final considerations: The experience of nurses from the Street Clinic in caring for the Indigenous population favored significant social interaction and expanded the possibilities for achieving comprehensive health care. The application of Transcultural Theory proved to be an effective and congruent device for health care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Referir la experiencia de enfermeros de una Unidad Sanitaria Móvil en la atención a la población indígena venezolana de la etnia Warao, en Maceió/AL, a partir de la Teoría Transcultural de Madeleine Leininger. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, del tipo informe de experiencia, basado en la atención a la población indígena Warao a la luz de la Teoría Transcultural de Madeleine Leininger, realizado durante el año 2022. Resultados: Se utilizaron tecnologías leves para crear vínculos y comprender el universo cultural del pueblo Warao. Los conceptos de preservación, acomodación y reestructuración cultural de los cuidados de la teoría transcultural de Leininger ayudaron a dilucidar la práctica. Se ofreció atención integral según los programas recomendados por el Ministerio de Salud, con atención transcultural y se respetó el rechazo a la atención. La barrera lingüística y las creencias sanitarias representaron desafíos en el contexto de la atención singular. Conclusión: La experiencia de los enfermeros de la Unidad Sanitaria Móvil en la atención a la población indígena favoreció mucho la interacción social y amplió las posibilidades de lograr una atención sanitaria integral. La aplicación de la Teoría Transcultural demostró ser un dispositivo eficaz y adecuado para el cuidado de la salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de enfermeiros do Consultório na Rua no cuidado à população indígena venezuelana da etnia Warao em Maceió/AL a partir da Teoria Transcultural de Madeleine Leininger. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, a partir do cuidado da população indígena Warao à luz da Teoria Transcultural de Madeleine Leininger, realizado durante o ano de 2022. Resultados: Utilizaram-se tecnologias leves para formação de vínculo e compreensão do universo cultural do povo Warao. Os conceitos de preservação, acomodação e reestruturação cultural do cuidado da teoria Transcultural de Leininger contribuíram para elucidar a prática vivenciada. Ofertou-se uma atenção integral conforme os programas preconizados pelo Ministério da Saúde, com cuidado transcultural, inclusive com respeito à recusa de assistência. A barreira linguística e as crenças no que tange à saúde representaram desafios no contexto do cuidado singular. Conclusão: A experiência de enfermeiros do Consultório na Rua no cuidado a população indígena favoreceu uma significativa interação social e ampliou as possibilidades para o alcance da integralidade em saúde. A aplicação da Teoria Transcultural se mostrou como um dispositivo eficaz e congruente para o cuidado em saúde.

[Alcohol Drinking in Higher Education Students from Coimbra and the Impact of Academic Festivities]. / Consumo de Álcool nos Estudantes do Ensino Superior de Coimbra e o Impacto das Festas Académicas.

INTRODUCTION: The international and national literature as well as studies carried out in universities in Portugal show there is excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking. However, no relation with alcohol consumption and college parties has yet been established. The aim of this study was to assess the association between alcohol consumption and binge drinking with college parties, and also to understand specific patterns of alcohol consumption by gender and years of university attendance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey comprised of the "Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption" (AUDIT-C) and the question "What is your most consumed drink?" referring to months without and with college parties, was disseminated in the University of Coimbra Facebook® page to students of the University of Coimbra and of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra seventeen years old and over. RESULTS: The AUDIT-C score in college party months is higher than in months without such parties with strong, positive and significant correlation (ρ = 0.711; ρ < 0.001). In months without college parties, 41.8% of females and 24.0% of males have a positive AUDIT-C. In months with college parties, 73.8% of females and 56.3% of males have a positive AUDIT-C. In months with college parties, females have higher risk of excessive consumption (ρ< 0.001) and drink a higher amount of spirits / shots. There is a significant difference in the most consumed drinks between genders (ρ < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Alcohol consumption is higher in those with less years in college attendance, but college parties seem to have a proportional impact regardless of the number of years of college attendance. In a month with college parties, there is more binge drinking and higher consumption than the daily maximum recommended amount. Males consume a higher amount of spirits / shots. CONCLUSION: College parties allow for more opportunities of pre-existing binge drinking. The way young people face alcohol consumption is a major problem to be addressed.

Introdução: Na literatura internacional, nacional e em estudos no ensino superior em Portugal os jovens apresentam consumos alcoólicos excessivos e binge drinking. Contudo, não se encontra estabelecida qualquer relação entre o consumo e as festas académicas. O objectivo deste estudo foi compreender a associação entre consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e festas académicas, estabelecendo uma relação entre estes momentos e um padrão específico de consumo, bem como perceber a ocorrência de padrões específicos de consumo de acordo com o sexo e os anos de frequência escolar.Material e Métodos: Foi elaborado um questionário, constituído pelo "Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test ­ Consumption" (AUDIT-C) e apresentando a questão "Qual a bebida mais consumida?" num mês com festas académicas e num mês sem que se realizassem. O questionário dirigido a alunos da Universidade de Coimbra e do Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, foi divulgado na página de Facebook® da Universidade de Coimbra.Resultados: Na amostra de estudantes do ensino superior de Coimbra, com idade igual ou superior a dezassete anos (n = 503), o AUDIT-C em mês com festas académicas é superior ao mês sem festas, verificando-se correlação positiva forte e significativa (ρ = 0,711; ρ < 0,001). Em mês sem festas académicas, 41,8% do sexo feminino e 24,0% do sexo masculino apresentam AUDIT-C positivo. Em mês com festas académicas 73,8% do sexo feminino e 56,3% do sexo masculino apresentam AUDIT-C positivo. O sexo feminino apresenta maior risco de consumo excessivo (ρ < 0,001) e bebe mais bebidas espirituosas / shots. Há diferença significativa entre sexos quanto à bebida mais consumida (ρ < 0,001).Discussão: O consumo de alcool é superior nos primeiros anos, embora as festas académicas pareçam ter um impacto proporcional independente do número de matrículas. Em mês com festas académicas, há maior frequência de binge drinking e de consumo superior ao máximo diário recomendado. O sexo masculino revela aumento do consumo de bebidas espirituosas / shots. Conclusão: As festas académicas fomentam as ocasiões de binge drinking pré-existentes, residindo o problema na forma como os jovens abordam o consumo de álcool.

"Nós estamos grávidos": rituais de cuidado desenvolvidos por famílias durante o processo gestacional / "Estamos embarazados": rituales de atención desarrollados por las familias durante el proceso gestacional / "We are pregnant": care rituals developed by families during the gestational process

Objetivo: conhecer os rituais de cuidado desenvolvidos pelas famílias durante o processo gestacional. Método: pesquisa etnográfica, desenvolvida entre abril e dezembro de 2016, com três famílias que vivenciavam o processo gestacional e profissionais de saúde que as acompanhavam, em um município da região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Adotou-se o modelo de Observação-Participação-Reflexão, com entrevista complementar. A análise fundamentou-se na etnoenfermagem. Resultados: os rituais de cuidado estavam ligados à revelação da gestação, à alimentação, à utilização de homeopatia e chás, à reorganização familiar, à preparação do quarto do bebê, às vestimentas do bebê, ao chá de fraldas, às escolhas futuras da criança, ao apadrinhamento e ao registro da gestação. Conclusão: os rituais de cuidado constituem elementos culturais essenciais para o cuidado à saúde da família grávida. Eles integram os familiares, mantém e fortalecem a identidade e a cultura familiar e renovam os elementos que compõem a família.

Objective: to understand the care rituals developed by families during the gestational process. Method: ethnographic research, carried out between April and December 2016, with three families who experienced the gestational process and health professionals that accompanied them, in a city in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The model adopted was the Observation-Participation-Reflection, with supplementary interview. The analysis was based on the ethnonursing. Results: the care rituals were related to the revelation of the pregnancy, nutrition, the use of homeopathy and teas, family reorganization, the preparation of the baby's room, the baby clothing, diaper shower, to the future choices of the child, godparents and the record of the pregnancy. Conclusion: care rituals constitute cultural elements essential for the health care of the pregnant family. They are part of the family, maintaining and strengthening the family identity and culture and renewing the elements that compose the family.

Objetivo: comprender los rituales de cuidado desarrollados por las familias durante el proceso de gestación. Método: investigación etnográfica, llevada a cabo entre abril y diciembre de 2016, con tres familias que experimentaron el proceso gestacional y los profesionales de la salud que las acompañaron, en un municipio de la región central del estado de Rio Grande do Sul. Se adoptó el modelo Observación-Participación-Reflexión, con entrevista complementaria. El análisis se basó en la etnoenfermería. Resultados: los rituales de cuidado estaban relacionados con la revelación del embarazo, la nutrición, el uso de la homeopatía y tés, y a la reorganización de la familia, la preparación de la habitación del bebé, la ropa del bebé, fiesta de pañales, las opciones futuras del niño, apadrinamiento y el registro del embarazo. Conclusión: los rituales de cuidado constituyen elementos culturales esenciales para el cuidado de la salud de la familia embarazada. Ellos son parte de la familia, mantienen y refuerzan la identidad y la cultura de la familia y renuevan los elementos que componen la familia.

Hiponatremia grave secundaria a la exposición a veneno de Phyllomedusa Bicolor (Rana Kambó): caso clínico / Severe hyponatremia secondary to Phyllomedusa bicolor (Kambó frog) poisoning: report of one case

Phyllomedusa bicolor or Kambo is a frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest. It can release through its skin a substance used in healing rituals that are common among South-American tribes, as well as in urban people of America and Europe. We report a 41-year-old female patient who, during a healing ritual consumed ayahuasca (a drink obtained from the mixture of Banisteriopsis caapi, Psychotria viridis and Mimosa hostilis) and 12 hours later received the poison of Kambo Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) on superficial right shoulder skin burns. The ritual included a minimum of six-liter water intake over a few hours period. She evolved with clouding of sensorium, motor agitation, frequent vomiting, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. She presented lethargic to the emergency room, with a weak pupillary light reflex, generalized stiffness, moving all four limbs. Laboratory showed severe hyponatremia (120 mEq/L) and a creatine kinase level of 8,479 UI/L, that increased 107,216 IU/L within few days. An admission CT Brain scan was normal. The toxicological screening did not identify the presence of other substances. During hospitalization the patient developed severe psychomotor agitation controlled by a dexmedetomidine infusion, hyponatremia, low plasma osmolality (248 mOsm/kg), and disproportionately high urinary osmolality (448 mOsm/kg), suggestive of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome (SIADH). With correction of hyponatremia, the patient gradually recovered consciousness. Rhabdomyolysis was assumed to be secondary to seizure and managed by volume and bicarbonate infusions with a positive response.

Being born at home is natural: care rituals for home birth / Natural nacer en casa: rituales de cuidado para el parto en casa / Natural nascer em casa: rituais de cuidado para o parto domiciliar

ABSTRACT Objective: To be aware of the care rituals developed by families when preparing for home birth during the gestational process. Method: Qualitative and ethnographic research developed with families during the gestational process. We adopted the observation-participation-reflection model, and the analysis was performed according to ethnonursing. Results: Care rituals are related to the choice of home as a place for childbirth, being characterized as a family's rite of separation to experience this process. Other care rituals involved the preparation of the family and the eldest child as well as the home, the body, and the mind of the pregnant woman, and the choice of destination of the placenta. Final considerations: We must understand the birth process beyond the biological perspective, considering women and their family as a whole, within a cultural context with their beliefs and values.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer los rituales de cuidado desarrollados por las familias en la preparación para el parto en casa durante el proceso gestacional. Método: Investigación cualitativa y etnográfica desarrollada con familias durante el proceso gestacional. Ha sido adoptado el modelo de observación-participación-reflexión, y el análisis ha sido hecho de acuerdo con la etnoenfermería. Resultados: Los rituales de cuidado están vinculados a la decisión del domicilio como el sitio para el parto, caracterizándose como un ritual de separación de la familia para la vivencia de ese proceso. Otros rituales de cuidado han involucrado la preparación de la familia y del hijo mayor, así como del domicilio, del cuerpo y de la mente de la mujer, y la decisión del destino de la placenta. Consideraciones finales: Es necesario comprender el proceso parturitivo además de la perspectiva biológica, considerando la mujer y la familia en sus términos generales, insertados en un contexto cultural con sus creencias y valores.

RESUMO Objetivo: Conhecer os rituais de cuidado desenvolvidos pelas famílias na preparação para o parto domiciliar durante o processo gestacional. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa e etnográfica desenvolvida com famílias durante o processo gestacional. Foi adotado o modelo de observação-participação-reflexão, e a análise foi feita de acordo com a etnoenfermagem. Resultados: Os rituais de cuidado estão ligados à escolha do domicílio como local para o parto, caracterizando-se como um ritual de separação da família para a vivência desse processo. Outros rituais de cuidado envolveram a preparação da família e do filho mais velho, bem como do domicílio, do corpo e da mente da mulher, e a escolha do destino da placenta. Considerações finais: É preciso compreender o processo parturitivo além da perspectiva biológica, considerando a mulher e a família no seu todo, inseridos em um contexto cultural com suas crenças e valores.

Símbolos e rituais do futebol espetáculo: uma análise das emoções no campo de jogo / Symbols and rituals football spectacle: an analysis of the emotions in the playing field / Símbolos y rituales de fútbol espectáculo: un análisis de las emociones en el campo del juego

Objetivou-se identificar e analisar os símbolos e rituais dos torcedores do futebol pernambucano, com o propósito de elucidar as emoções presentes na vivência deste fenômeno. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva de campo com abordagem quantiqualitativa envolvendo 142 torcedores do Sport, Santa Cruz e Náutico. Utilizou-se um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada e um roteiro de observação. As entrevistas foram analisadas por meio da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostraram a mascote (Sport) e as cores (Santa Cruz e Náutico) como os símbolos mais representativos. Os rituais presentes antes, durante e após o espetáculo futebolístico foram: oração, comportamentos de festividades/práticas supersticiosas, consumo de álcool e torcer/comemorar. A análise deste cenário permitiu discutir sentimentos e emoções que estão presentes para vivenciar o fenômeno, assim como levantar novas discussões no campo sociocultural da Educação Física.

The objective was to identify and analyze the symbols and rituals of football fans from Pernambuco, with the purpose of elucidating the emotions present in the experience of this phenomenon. This is a descriptive field research with a quantitative approach involving 142 Sport, Santa Cruz and Náutico fans. A semi-structured interview script and an observation script were used. The interviews were analyzed through content analysis. The results showed mascot (Sport) and colors (Santa Cruz and Náutico) as the most representative symbols. The rituals present before, during and after the soccer spectacle were: prayer, behavior of superstitious practices/practices, alcohol consumption and cheer/cheer. The analysis of this scenario allowed to discuss feelings and emotions that are present to experience the phenomenon, as well as to raise new discussions in the socio-cultural field of Physical Education.

Se objetivó identificar y analizar los símbolos y rituales de los aficionados del fútbol pernambucano, con el propósito de elucidar las emociones presentes en la vivencia de este fenómeno. Se trata de una investigación descriptiva de campo con enfoque cuantitativo que involucra a 142 aficionados del Sport, Santa Cruz y Náutico. Se utilizó un guión de entrevista semiestructurada y un guión de observación. Las entrevistas se analizaron mediante el análisis de contenido. Los resultados mostraron la mascota (Sport) y los colores (Santa Cruz y Náutico) como los símbolos más representativos. Los rituales presentes antes, durante y después del espectáculo futbolístico fueron: oración, comportamientos de festividades/prácticas supersticiosas, consumo de alcohol y torcer/conmemoración. El análisis de este escenario permitió discutir sentimientos y emociones que están presentes para vivir el fenómeno, así como levantar nuevas discusiones en el campo sociocultural de la Educación Física.

Sacred space and the healing journey.

Sacred space and spirituality have long been used to heal the mind, body, and spirit. This article illuminates the origins of sacred space and its role as a healing environment from the first human construct, the burial mound, to the 5th Century BCE Greek healing city of Epidaurus. It then examines the role of spirituality as one of the necessary human institutions for a healthy society, according to the Italian philosopher Giambattista Vico. The conclusion then surveys three contemporary healing environments' architecture, the Department of Veteran Affairs Healing Environment Design Guideline (VAHEDG), and how these sacred spaces mend individual and community ailments.

An Evaluation of the Historical Importance of Fertility and Its Reflection in Ancient Mythology.

Myths are reflective of human concerns and needs during ancient times. By reviewing them, it turns out that many human problems today, have a historical background. Among the main themes of ancient mythologies, fertility and reproduction have various representations in ancient civilizations. The purpose of this paper was to review myths and common symbols of fertility and reproduction in ancient civilizations and evaluate the reasons of their continuous importance in different cultures. The data in this review study was obtained by scrutinizing the related literature. The gathered data indicated the multiplicity and variety of fertility symbols in ancient myths. Most ancient fertility symbols were inspired by the nature and some of them like earth and water were common in mythology of different civilizations. Therefore, the symbols consolidate the concept of conformity between human reproductive concerns and the nature's necessities.

Rito católico e imagem da enfermeira (1957) / Misa católica e imagen de la enfermera (1957) / Catholic Mass and the Nurse's Image (1957)

Objetivo: analisar a imagem da enfermeira na ritualística de missa de formatura, da primeira turma da Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) em 1957. Métodos: o texto imagético foi analisado à luz de Pierre Bourdieu e da literatura sobre rito, moda, linguagem corporal, História do Brasil e da Enfermagem. Resultados: foram localizadas duas imagens no acervo histórico institucional que atendiam os critérios de inclusão. O rito de missa de formatura deu-se em 21 de dezembro de 1957, às 8h30 da manhã intitulada "Missa Solene em Ação de Graças, na Capela Sagrado Coração de Jesus, da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ribeirão Preto". Conclusão: os signos instituídos no rito de missa de formatura foram o uniforme, a touca, a demarcação com tecido claro do espaço entre as formandas e o público, o que constituiu um espaço de distinção social. Soma-se, ainda, a hexiscorporal que transparece seriedade e pureza, e colabora para a constituição da nova imagem da enfermeira diplomada em Ribeirão Preto. As contribuições deste estudo dão-se na ampliação das discussões sobre a construção da imagem da enfermeira, identidade profissional e influência católica na formação do enfermeiro.

Objetivo: analizar la imagen de la enfermera en el ritual de misa de graduación de la primera clase de la Escuela de Enfermería de Ribeirão Preto de la Universidad de São Paulo (USP) en 1957. Método: las imágenes fueron analizadas a la luz de Pierre Bourdieu y de la literatura sobre rito, moda, lenguaje corporal, Historia de Brasil y de la enfermería. Resultados: han sido ubicadas dos imágenes en la colección histórica institucional que respondían a los criterios de inclusión. El rito de misa de graduación fue celebrado el 21 de diciembre del 1957 a las 8:30 de la mañana, titulado "Misa Solemne en Acción de Gracias, en la Capela Sagrado Coração de Jesus, de la Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ribeirão Preto". Conclusión: los signos instituidos en el rito de misa de graduación fueron el uniforme, la toca, la demarcación con tela clara del espacio entre graduandas y público, lo que constituye espacio de distinción social. Además, la héxiscorporal revela seriedad y pureza, y colabora hacia la constitución de la nueva imagen de la enfermera diplomada en Ribeirão Preto. Este estudio contribuye con la ampliación de las discusiones sobre la construcción de la imagen de la enfermera, identidad profesional e influencia católica en la formación del enfermero.

Objective: The purpose of the study is to analyze the nurse's image during the commencement mass for the first graduating class of the Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing at the University of São Paulo (USP) in 1957. Methods: The images were analyzed in light of the thinking of Pierre Bourdieu and the literature on rites, fashion, body language, the history of Brazil and the history of nursing. Results: Two images that meet the criteria for inclusion were found in the institution's historical collection. The graduation mass was celebrated on December 21, 1957 at 8:30 a.m. and was entitled the Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Ribeirão Preto Holy House of Mercy. Conclusion: The signs instituted in the graduation mass include the uniform, the cap and the space between the graduates and the public, which was marked with clear fabric and denotes an area of social distinction. In addition, the corporal héxis reveals seriousness and purity, and helps to establish the new image of the graduate nurse in Ribeirão Preto. This study serves to broaden the discussion on construction of the nurse's image, professional identity and the Catholic influence in nursing education.

Indigenous practices of Saudi girls in Riyadh during their menstrual period

The objective of this study was to identify the indigenous menstrual hygiene practice of Saudi girls in Riyadh. A total of 600 girls aged from 11 years to 18 years were selected from outpatient clinics at three different hospitals in Riyadh. Data were collected using a structured interview. The results revealed that nearly two-thirds of the girls avoided certain foods, drinks and activities, including showering and performing perineal care, and practised several indigenous rituals during the period. Mother, religious books and sisters were the main sources of the girls' infomation. The study suggests that nurses and health care providers should use all available opportunities to educate young girls about menstruation