Beliefs and practices regarding nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in a rural area in Karnataka, India: a qualitative study

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONNutrition plays a quintessential role with regard to maternal and child health. However, this aspect is inevitably interlinked to perceived notions and beliefs with regard to food to be consumed by pregnant and lactating women. Studies have also shown existence of practices and beliefs like denying pregnant and lactating women of known nutritious food items owing to their traditional food habits. [1][2][3] In India most food practices and traditions have stemmed from deeply rooted traditions and customs. These food practices can be attributed to malnutrition, which in turn is linked to poverty, food insecurity, unhygienic practices and traditional beliefs. 4 Beliefs are crucial in the acceptance, rejection and promotion of certain food items. These beliefs are the products of social interactions and faith which are entrenched in the minds of the community. Many of these food practices arise from the ignorance about the nutritive value of food. Most often certain cultural beliefs and practices concerning food items are due to ignorance. ABSTRACTBackground: Poor maternal nutrition adversely affects pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly vulnerable are the rural women in a rural setting. A lactating mother"s nutritional requirement should meet needs of self and that of an infant. In most rural communities this situation is further complicated by food taboos, consequently either adding to or leading to additional negative balance of nutrients. Aims: To assess the food practices and beliefs during pregnancy and lactation among women residing in a rural area of Bangalore urban district. Methods: Study was conducted during the period of January to March 2014 among the women residing under the Sarjapur PHC, Bangalore. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in Depth Interviews (IDIs). Thematic frame work approach was used for data analysis. Results: A total of four FGDs and twelve IDIs were conducted. Good practices included consuming green leafy vegetables, rice, bread, jowar, meat, egg and fruits like apple and mosambi. The practices which may potentially harm the health included avoidance of food items like ragi, papaya, mango and guava during pregnancy and reduced water consumption during the post natal period. Beliefs like "casting an evil eye" or "colour of the baby" had an influence on the food given to antenatal mother. Conclusions: The study found numerous food items which are nutritious and safe and available locally either restricted or denied thus making women (pregnant and lactating) and infants vulnerable. There is need for health education programs in rural areas regarding nutrition which will in turn improve the maternal and child health.

Demand and Supply Side Barriers that Limit the Uptake of Nutrition Services among Pregnant Women from Rural Ethiopia: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

“…While the reasons for the identified food taboos are not scientifically supported, they seem to have developed from the intention to prevent pregnancy complications for the mother and any health problem for the baby ( Table 2 ). These results were consistent with similar earlier studies done in other regions of Ethiopia and India [ 36 , 54 ]. There is also a fasting season for pregnant women who follow the Orthodox religion, requiring that they do not eat animal foods during the fasting period (which spans more than 180 days per year).…”

Dietary Patterns and Determinants of Pregnant and Lactating Women From Marginalized Communities in India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…Notably, a low-mixed vegetarian diet without fruits and pulses was the predominant pattern among women. Predominantly, vegetables and cereal-based diets among pregnant women in rural areas have been reported in other studies from India (27)(28)(29)(30). Green leafy vegetables are a good source of iron but have low bioavailability compared to animal sources.…”

Food taboos in pregnancy and early lactation among women living in a rural area of West Bengal

“…In a study done by Puri and Kapoor, it is reported “one of the strong beliefs is that papaya can cause abortion.”[10] A study among 1,200 women from all districts of Tamil Nadu in India showed that 82% of women avoided papaya during pregnancy. [12] Saffron was believed to be responsible for fairer skin of the baby by the participants of few studies. [912] But, on the contrary, in this study, respondents were forbidden to eat any dark colored vegetables to prevent dark complexion of baby.…”