Cultural Factors

Kurdish women may receive greater intimacy, protection, and kindness from spouses and family members during pregnancy. Cultural background can shape attitudes toward pregnancy, parenting, labor pain, interventions, and support. In Kurdish communities, pregnancy and childbirth may be framed as positive life events when parents intend to start a family. Smaller cities and minority settings may involve lower expectations for personal autonomy and participation in childbirth decision-making. Lower scores among Arab and Lur women may relate to minority status and differences in healthcare infrastructure, resources, socioeconomic conditions, and cross-cultural contact.