OBJECTIVES: To conduct a survey among Brazilian academic research studies on humanization of childbirth, to identify timing, location, topic, and methodological approaches, and to determine whether or not these academic research studies contributed to nursing practice. METHODS: This was an exploratory descriptive study. Abstracts of doctoral dissertations and master's theses were retrieved from two databases: Virtual Health Library (BIREME - OPAS/OMS) and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) of the Brazilian Ministry of Education. RESULTS: 26 dissertations and 4 theses were found in the period of 1987 the 2004. The majority (20; 66.7%) of these academic research studies were conducted on graduate programs of Southeast Brazil. More than a half of theses studies (16; 53.3%) were conducted in graduate programs in nursing. The majority of the studies (24; 80%) used qualitative methodology. Ethical-political aspects of health care were the most common topics or themes (20; 66.7%). CONCLUSION: Graduate research studies propose technician-scientific paradigm change, professional education, professional attitude towards the social and human rights, and redefinition of professional roles of nurses and midwives.
Woman's health; Humanizing delivery; Dissertations, academic; Nursing research
