Assessment of food taboos and related misconceptions during pregnancy in Mekelle city, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

• DOI: 10.21203/rs.2.14945/v1
• Publication Date: 2019-09-25T19:37:41Z
• Authors: Freweini Gebreare...; Lemlem Weldegerim...; Selamawit Asfaw B...
• Keywords: Taboo; Cross-sectional study; Maternity care

Abstract Introduction Communities, rural or urban, have their own taboos and misconceptions regarding what type of foods to consume avoid during pregnancy why. In Ethiopia, as in many other developing countries, there are on specific quality quantity food a pregnant woman should not eat pregnancy, affecting nutritional status. Despite this, information related Ethiopia is lacking. Therefore, this study assessed Mekelle city, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.Method A cross-sectional was conducted among 332 women who were antenatal care follow-up selected private clinics starting from January 1st up June/30/2017. semi-structured questionnaire consisting closed open ended questions prepared the way that it can assess taboo practices, types avoided, perceived reasons for avoidance. Data entered SPSS version 21 analysis. The results described using frequency percentage, presented tables. Cross-tabulation (x 2 - test) used analyze association between different socio-demographic variables practice. Statistical significance declared at P -value < 0.05 95% confidence interval (CI).Result indicate 11.5% avoided least one current because perceptions. mothers forbidden taking items such yogurt, banana, legumes, honey, “kollo” (roasted barley wheat), spices (mustard). most common perceptions avoidance these abortion, abdominal cramp mother newborn, prolonged labor, coating body fetus. Among characteristics studied, educational status found significantly influence practices participants (P<0.0001).Conclusion misconception feeding practice be discouraged, health providers promptly counsel about appropriate ANC visits.