Transcultural care has gained importance with the global increase in migration. This study aimed to explore and describe midwifery students’ feelings, thoughts, and experiences regarding transcultural midwifery approaches in healthcare delivery in Turkey. This qualitative descriptive study was conducted between January and June 2024 with 42 female midwifery students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Ankara Medipol University. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Codes were developed directly from the data, grouped into sub-categories, and then abstracted into categories. Three main categories and ten sub-categories were identified: 1 Implementation Challenges (communication difficulties, cultural differences, lack of knowledge); 2 Emotional Reactions (empathy, stress, prejudice, curiosity, uncertainty); and 3 Student Perceptions (awareness of cultural diversity, gender-related experiences). Students expressed both enthusiasm and anxiety about caring for culturally diverse patients. Language barriers, lack of cultural knowledge, and uncertainty about appropriate care practices were major challenges. While participants shared similar experiences, variations were observed in emotional responses and coping strategies depending on clinical experience. Midwifery students’ experiences revealed a balance between curiosity and uncertainty when providing care to patients from different cultures. Integrating transcultural care content and simulation-based learning into midwifery curricula could enhance students’ competence and confidence in providing culturally sensitive maternity care. Not applicable.
Özer et al. (Fri,) studied this question.