FOOD TABOOS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVING ANTENATAL CARE AT SECONDARY HEALTH FACILITIES IN IBADAN, OYO STATE

Abstract

Food taboo is a deliberate avoidance of a food item for reasons other than simple dislike from food preferences. Pregnancy is a period of increased nutritional requirements, yet causes aversions to nutritious foods; most societies further restrict the diet of pregnant women with food taboos. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy has gained interest over the years due to the understanding that there is an increased physiologic, metabolic and nutritional demand associated with pregnancy; this has been regarded as an important determinant for foetal growth and development. However, in developing countries of the world, inadequate maternal nutrient intake during pregnancy is worsened by socio-cultural beliefs, myths and taboos which prohibit the consumption of certain foods by pregnant women. Lack of appropriate knowledge on culturally prescribed nutritional taboos and beliefs can have a powerful impact on the outcome of malnutrition relief efforts or prevention campaigns and interventions. This study was therefore designed to investigate food taboos among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at secondary health facilities in Ibadan, Oyo state. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study using validated semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. A total number of 216 pregnant women who consented to the study were recruited through a multistage sampling technique. The knowledge of food taboo was assessed on a 20-point knowledge scale (KS); KS of >15 was rated good, KS of 10-15 was rated fair while KS <10 was rated poor knowledge. Also, a 12-point practice scale was used to determine food taboo practices; practice score ≤8 represented unhealthy practice while practice score >9 represented healthy practice. Sources of information on food taboos and reasons for the practice of food taboos were also highlighted. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p<0.05 level of significance. The mean age of respondents was 29.5±4.6 years. Majority were of the Yoruba ethnic group (87.5%), married (97.2%), and Christians (65.7%). Respondents, (17.6%) had good knowledge, 35.2% had fair knowledge while (47.2%) had poor knowledge of food taboos. About half (50.9%) had unhealthy practice while (49.1%) had healthy practice of food taboos. There was a significant relationship between respondents’ knowledge of food taboos and practice of food taboos. There were also significant relationships between age, level of education and practice of food taboo. Also ethnic background has a significant relationship with the knowledge of food taboos. Majority (47.3%) of the respondents practice food taboos for health reasons. Other reasons were cultural (38.0%), personal opinion (29.3%), religious (23.4%), foetus being too large (18.5%) while (13.7%) do not practice food taboos for any of these above reasons. Poor knowledge and unhealthy practices of food taboos were documented among the study population. Health education on maternal nutrition among pregnant women and training of health workers can be used to address the practice of food taboos. This will help prevent poor maternal nutrition and hidden hunger in children. Also the baby will optimally develop making them less vulnerable to diseases later in life.