Food taboo practices and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Food taboos have a negative impact on pregnant women and their fetuses by preventing them from consuming vital foods. Previous research found that pregnant women avoided certain foods during their pregnancy for a variety of reasons. This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of food taboo practices and associated factors in Ethiopia. In compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, we searched the literature using PubMed/MEDLINE, AJOL (African Journal Online), HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Google electronic databases. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of food taboo and its determinants at a 95% confidence interval with their respective odds ratios. The pooled food taboo practice among Ethiopian pregnant women was 34.22% (95% CI 25.47–42.96), and after adjustment for publication bias with the trim-and-fill analysis, the pooled food taboo practice of pregnant women was changed to 21.31% (95% CI: 10.85–31.67%). Having less than a secondary education level (OR = 3.57; 95% CI 1.43–8.89), having no ANC follow-up (OR = 4.35; 95% CI 1.12–16.94), and being a rural resident (OR = 3.08; 95% CI 1.14–8.28) were the significant factors. Dairy products, some fruits, green leafy vegetables, meat, and honey are among the taboo foods. The most frequently stated reasons for this taboo practice were: fear of producing a big fetus, which is difficult during delivery; attachment to the fetus's body or head; and fear of fetal abnormality.

Food taboos practice and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Doctor Bogalech Gebre memorial general hospital, Durame town, Southern Ethiopia, 2022

“…More than half (54.5%) of study participants type during their pregnancy, which is almost two times higher than that of the study conducted in Awabel district (27%)[ 14 ] and also higher than that of the study done in Shashamane District, 49.8%. [ 10 ] But the current finding is more than that in the study conducted in Hadiya Zone 27%,[ 11 ] and lower than that in the study conducted in Tanzania, 70.1%. [ 15 ]…”

“…[ 6 ] Some available evidence showed that the magnitude of food taboos practice in Shashamane Town was 49.8%, and the pooled prevalence in Ethiopia was 34.22%. [ 10 11 ]…”

“…According to systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in Ethiopia on food taboos practice and associated factors among pregnant women, the educational level, antenatal follow-up, and place of residence were significantly associated factors. [ 11 ]…”