Community food beliefs during pregnancy in rural kebeles of Ofla Woreda, Northern Ethiopia: an explorative qualitative study

Abstract

Background Dietary related misconceptions during pregnancy affect the heath of mothers and their growing babies. Misconceptions vary from place to place and from community to community. Understanding of a given community’s food perceptions during pregnancy helps policy makers able to design cultural appropriate interventions. In Ethiopia, however, evidences on food beliefs and perceptions during pregnancy are limited. Therefore, this study is aimed at qualitatively assessing community food beliefs during pregnancy in rural kebeles of Ofla Woreda, Northern Ethiopia. Methods We conducted 10 in-depth interviews (n = 10) and four focus group discussions (n = 32) among purposively selected community groups including pregnant mothers, religious leaders, and elders in rural kebeles of Ofla Woreda, Northern Ethiopia. Data were transcribed word-for-word, translated into English, and uploaded into ATLAST ti version 7.5.1.6. Data were analyzed following the principles of thematic analysis. Line-by-line coding was applied to identify codes; identified codes were categorized based on their similarities and differences and themes were developed inductively. Results Three main themes were identified inductively; foods positively and negatively linked with pregnancy; perceived benefits and harms of alcoholic drinks during pregnancy; and religion and fasting. In this study, consumptions of animal source foods such as egg were discouraged because such foods were perceived to increase the risk of having big baby that could delay delivery. However, intakes of locally produced alcoholic drinks during pregnancy were encouraged by the local community. Furthermore, avoidance of animal source foods and meal skipping during religious fasting-periods were also common practices among pregnant mothers in the study area. Conclusions This study explored misconceptions on food intakes during pregnancy. Positive attitude towards intake of “soft” alcoholic drinks might result in alcohol related teratogenic effects. Restriction on the intakes of nutrient rich diets due to religious fasting and other misconceptions would lead to insufficient nutrient intake both to the mothers and their growing fetus. Culturally appropriate intervention to improve awareness on healthy dietary intake during pregnancy is needed.

Dietary Perspectives and Practices during Pregnancy in Rural Amhara Region of Ethiopia: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

“…In Ethiopia, dietary diversity is generally limited by low consumption of animal source foods, fruits, and vegetables [ [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] ]. In the Amhara region, consumption is further restricted due to cultural and religious practices such as the absence of snacks between meals, heavy workloads forcing people to skip meals, and prolonged religious fasting seasons [ [30] , [31] , [32] ]. Participants emphasized that pregnant women are encouraged to fast unless they have health issues.…”

“…Tella , a traditional fermented alcoholic drink, resembles a beer with an estimated alcohol content between 2% and 6% depending on the fermentation and raw material used [ 35 ]. Previous studies have shown that alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases risk of adverse birth outcomes, particularly preterm delivery and low birth weight [ 32 , 36 ]. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a consequence of prenatal alcohol consumption that leads to neurocognitive deficits, growth deficiency, and facial dysmorphology in the unborn child [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Assessment of Malnutrition among Children Presenting in a Nutrition Center in Gimbichu, Ethiopia

“…Tafese et al [ 53 ] observed stunting, underweight, and wasting in 42.0%, 24.6%, and 14.5%, respectively, of 12–36-month-old children in relationship with the maternal ‘Tella’ intake. Eyasu et al [ 54 ] studied that the perceived benefits (without scientific basis) of Ethiopian women and the rest of the population were that, for example, the intake of ‘Tella’ is beneficial to ‘hydrate’ the body of pregnant women and ‘clean’ the fetus and the uterus before and during pregnancy. Debele et al [ 55 ] suggested that there is another reason argued by the Ethiopian community and alcohol sellers, which is that it eases their parenting duty and that the introduction of consumption of these beverages in children after six months is used so that they sleep while the mothers are gone for a long trip or to the market.…”

Barriers to appropriate complementary feeding and the use of ultra‐processed foods: A formative qualitative study from rural Oromia, Ethiopia

“…While this literature is diverse, key factors shaping the choice of UPF highlighted include convenience and widespread availability; these foods' relative affordability; and social desirability and shifting tastes. In Ethiopia, previous qualitative investigations related to nutrition and diet have centred around nutritional practices and taboos for adult women during pregnancy rather than examining IYCF practices, concluding that it is common for pregnant women to avoid certain foods (particularly animal‐source foods) and restrict portions (Demilew et al, 2020 ; Eyasu et al, 2022 ; Tesfa et al, 2023 ; Wondmeneh, 2022 ; Zerfu et al, 2016 ).…”