Food taboos and related misperceptions during pregnancy in Mekelle city, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239451
• Publication Date: 2020-10-13T13:44:48Z
• Authors: Freweini Gebreare...; Lemlem Weldegerim...; Selemawit Asfaw B...
• Keywords: Taboo; Cross-sectional study

Introduction Most communities, rural or urban, have taboos regarding foods to avoid during pregnancy, and most local explanations for why certain should be avoided. Such may health benefits, but they also can large nutritional costs mothers fetuses. As such, understanding pregnancy food is an important public goal, especially in contexts where resources are limited. Despite this, information limited Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed taboos, related misconceptions, associated factors among pregnant women Northern Methods A cross-sectional of 332 antenatal care (ANC) follow-up at selected private clinics Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopa, recruited between April May, 2017. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we whether respondents' observed what types avoided, their perceived reasons avoidance, diversity diets socio-demographic characteristics. After reporting frequency statistics categorical variables central tendencies (mean standard deviation) continuous variables, bivariate multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted identify the diet with taboo practices. Results Around 12% avoided least one type current more reasons. These eating items such as yogurt, banana, legumes, honey, "kollo" (roasted barley wheat). The common given avoidances that (mistakenly) believed cause: abortion; abdominal cramps mother newborn; prolonged labor; coating fetus's body. Maternal education (diploma above) (AOR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.93, 10.31) marital status (single) found negatively (protective factors) observances taboos. Approximately 79% respondents had insufficiently diverse, although did not find any statistical evidence was adhering Conclusion misconceptions discouraged insofar restrict women's consumption nutritious which could support maternal healthy fetal development. Health providers counsel husbands about appropriate nutrition ANC visits.