Role of food taboos in energy, macro and micronutrient intake of pregnant women in western Kenya

Dietary diversity and its determinants among women of reproductive age residing in the urban area of Nouakchott, Mauritania

BACKGROUND

The intake of nutrient-rich foods from diverse diets ensures adequate nutrition for women. This study aims to determine dietary diversity among women of reproductive age (WRA) using the MDD-W indicator and how it relates to their socio-economic characteristics in the city of Nouakchott, Mauritania.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 women of reproductive age, aged 15-49 years. Food consumption data were obtained through unquantified 24 h recall which is designed to identify all foods consumed by the women during this period. We computed MDD-W as the consumption of at least five out of ten predefined food groups according to the guideline of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. In order to determine which factors had a statistically significant influence on dietary diversity among women, we used a value of P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean of dietary diversity was 5.48 and 71.7% of WRA had an acceptable minimum dietary diversity. During the study period, 96.25% and 80% of women consumed vitamin A and iron-rich foods respectively. The consumption rate of starchy foods, vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and chicken, milk and dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables and finally other vegetables was higher; 99.6%, 75.3%, 80%, 62.5%, 60.4% and 83.3% respectively. On the other hand, the consumption of legumes, eggs and other fruits was low; at 21.7%, 14.2% and 13.8% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that more than half of the studied population had an acceptable minimum dietary diversity. The diet was mainly based on the consumption of starchy foods, meat and other vegetables than those rich in vitamin A.

Nutritional awareness of pregnant women and the underlying influencing factors

Nutritional awareness is described as having knowledge or understanding of nutrition. It is often related to the ability of an individual to make an accurate estimate of their food intake, which involves comparing their actual nutritional behavior with the recommended food consumption. Nutritional awareness of women during the various phases of pregnancy may vary significantly across countries due to cultural and lifestyle differences. There has been extensive research on nutritional awareness of pregnant women in selected countries or regions; however, relatively few studies have explored it during different stages of pregnancy. To fill this gap, this article reviews the existing literature and draws together insights into the following areas: changes in nutritional awareness during various phases of pregnancy, nutritional awareness of pregnant women and its underlying factors in various nations, and the research methods used to study nutritional awareness of pregnant women.

Exploring Perceptions and Needs of Mobile Health Interventions for Nutrition, Anemia, and Preeclampsia among Pregnant Women in Underprivileged Indian Communities: A Cross-Sectional Survey

According to the National Family Health Survey of 2021, about 57% of women aged 15-49 in India currently suffer from anemia, marking a significant increase from the 53% recorded in 2016. Similarly, a study conducted in southern India reported a 32.60% prevalence of preeclampsia. Several community-based initiatives have been launched in India to address these public health challenges. However, these interventions have yet to achieve the desired results. Could the challenges faced by traditional healthcare interventions be overcome through a technological leap? This study assesses pregnant mothers' perceptions regarding mobile health interventions for managing anemia and preeclampsia. Additionally, the study captures their health awareness and knowledge. We conducted a survey with 131 pregnant mothers in three underserved villages in Jharkhand, India. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SEMinR package in R (Version 2023.06.0), utilizing the non-parametric partial least squares-structural equation modeling. We found that every household had at least one smartphone, with the respondents being the primary users. The main uses of smartphones were for calling, messaging, and social media. A total of 61% of respondents showed interest in a nutrition and pregnancy app, while 23.66% were uncertain. Regarding nutritional knowledge during pregnancy, 68.7% reported having some knowledge, but only 11.45% claimed comprehensive knowledge. There was a considerable knowledge gap regarding the critical nutrients needed during pregnancy and the foods recommended for a healthy pregnancy diet. Awareness of pregnancy-related conditions such as anemia and preeclampsia was low, with most respondents unsure of these conditions' primary causes, impacts, and symptoms. This study serves as a critical step towards leveraging technology to enhance public health outcomes in low-resource settings. With the accessibility of mobile devices and an apparent willingness to utilize mHealth apps, compounded by the pressing need for improved maternal health, the impetus for action is indisputable. It is incumbent upon us to seize this opportunity, ensuring that the potential of technology is fully realized and not squandered, thus circumventing the risk of a burgeoning digital divide.

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

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.

A review of the roles of men, women, and youth in ensuring food safety in the smallholder poultry value chain in Kenya

Smallholder poultry production is a significant source of food and income for many rural households in Kenya, but poultry products can be contaminated with Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. Household members have different roles in poultry production, with women and youth more actively involved in the earlier steps of the value chain, such as poultry production and processing, particularly at the farm level. This literature review summarizes current knowledge and practices on the roles of women and youth in food safety in the smallholder poultry value chain in Kenya. Of the 19 articles identified, a majority referenced gender roles in the poultry value chain but few referenced youth or the roles of women and youth in ensuring food safety. Women and youth were found to be the primary smallholder poultry producers on-farm. Due to their direct involvement in poultry handling and production, women and youth may have higher potential risk of exposure to foodborne pathogens. Men, women, and youth were all found to participate in slaughtering and transportation of poultry products. It was also found that, although women may be the owners and caretakers of chickens, they may not have decision-making power on the use of income from the poultry, and poultry product sales. Therefore, women and youth may have limited decision-making power or access to resources, such as training, to increase food safety. Further research is needed to address the factors important to women and youth empowerment to ensure food safety in the smallholder poultry value chain and reduce the risks of foodborne disease (FBD) in Kenya.

Fish Acquisition and Consumption in the African Great Lakes Region through a Food Environment Lens: A Scoping Review

Effective actions for the fishery and aquaculture sectors to contribute toward improving nutrition rely on an understanding of the factors influencing fish intake, particularly amongst vulnerable populations. This scoping review synthesises evidence from 33 studies in the African Great Lakes Region to examine the influence of food environments on fish acquisition and consumption. We identified only two studies that explicitly applied a food environment framework and none that linked policy conditions with the contribution of fish to diets. Economic access to fish was represented in the largest number of included studies (21 studies), followed by preferences, acceptability and desirability of fish (17 studies) and availability and physical access (14 studies). Positive perceptions of taste and low cost, relative to other animal-source foods, were drivers of fish purchases in many settings; however, limited physical and economic access were frequently identified as preventing optimal intake. In lakeside communities, fish were increasingly directed toward external markets which reduced the availability and affordability of fish for local households. Few studies considered intra-household variations in fish access according to age, gender or physiological status, which represents an important knowledge gap. There is also scope for future research on seasonal influences on fish access and the design and rigorous evaluation of programmes and policies that address one or more constraints of availability, cost, convenience and preferences.

Nutritional-Related Predictors of Preterm Birth in North Shewa Hospitals, Central Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of newborn death and the second cause of mortality among under-five children. Globally, about 15 million infants are born preterm every year. However, there is a lack of data on the nutritional-related predictors of preterm birth among Ethiopian women. The objective of the study was to identify nutritional-related predictors of preterm birth among women who gave birth at North Shewa public Hospitals in central Ethiopia.

Methods

A case–control study was undertaken in public hospitals in the North Shewa zone, central Ethiopia. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to gather data, which was then entered into EPI INFO version 7 and then exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Data were presented using texts, tables, and proportions. To find predictors of preterm birth, researcher used binary and multiple logistic regression models. The presence of a relationship between PTB and predictor factors was determined using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p-value <0.05.

Results

A total of 161 cases and 322 controls participated in the study making a response rate of 97.6%. Unable to get iron folic acid (IFA) (AOR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.22, 4.18), not eating additional meals (AOR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.62), restriction of foods (AOR=2.85, 95% CI: 1.58, 5.12), not taking dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV), (AOR=4.46, 95% CI: 1.72, 11.61), and mid upper arm circumference of mother (MUAC) <23 centimeters (AOR=3.7, 95% CI: 2.25, 6.11) had statistically significant association with premature birth.

Conclusion

IFA supplementation, additional meals, food taboo, frequency of DGLV, and MUAC were identified predictors of preterm birth. Encouraging such women to eat additional meals, varieties of diets like vegetables, and fruits during pregnancy, and adhering to culturally appropriate nutrition education to reverse food taboo is compulsory.

Global diversity of dietary intakes and standards for zinc, iron, and copper

BACKGROUND

The essentiality of trace elements in human diets is well recognized and adequate levels are a critical component of optimal health. To date, public health efforts have focused primarily on macronutrients or trace minerals that are easily analyzed. The goal of this research is to provide assessment of the dietary standards developed for Zn, Fe, and Cu in 100+ developed, marginal, and developing countries. We summarize the current recommendations and changes from the last decade, categorize and provide scientific basis for values established, factors that affect requirements, and current global challenges.

METHODS

The electronic databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched using the keywords "trace minerals," "micronutrients, ""zinc," "iron," "copper," "dietary standards" and "recommendations." A total of 123 studies published from 1965 to 2019 were included.

RESULTS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established dietary standards to address nutrient deficiencies, prevent infections and ensure basic metabolic functions; these are utilized by most developing countries. Developed countries or their alliances have established values similar to or higher than the WHO, primarily for promotion of optimal health and well-being. Transitional countries are more concerned with issues of bioavailability, food security and undernutrition. Globally, Zn and Cu recommendations are lower in women than in men; Fe requirements are higher to compensate for menstrual losses. Important considerations in establishing guidelines for these minerals include bioaccessibility, dietary practices and restrictions, food processing, interactions, and chemical forms. The global challenges of the triple burden of malnutrition, hidden hunger, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and obesity have been associated with Zn, Fe, and Cu deficiencies.

CONCLUSION

This research provides public policy and health professionals evidenced-based information useful for the establishment of dietary standards world-wide.

Gaps in food security, food consumption and malnutrition in households residing along the baobab belt in Kenya

Purpose

This paper aims to describe food insecurity status, food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kitui and Kilifi counties of Kenya. It also explores associations between these and household socio-demographic characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study design was performed with a sample of 216 caregiver/child pairs interviewed. Tablet-based semi-structured questions were used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics of children (6-13 years) and caregivers. Food insecurity status was assessed using the household food insecurity experience scale. Information on food consumption was obtained from qualitative 24-h recall as a basis for calculating a household dietary diversity score. Data were also obtained from a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of children and caregivers’ height and weight were taken to assess their nutritional status. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 24 and WHO AnthroPlus 1.0.4.

Findings

The majority (98.2 per cent) of the households were food insecurity despite 81.5 and 57.4 per cent in Kitui and Kilifi counties, respectively, owning baobab trees. About 32.1 per cent of the households had poor dietary diversity scores (< 4). The prevalence of stunting (28.6 per cent), wasting (11.6 per cent) and underweight (25 per cent) rates among children were high. A significant association was observed between the children stunting rates with their age (p= 0.027), and also with household’s food security status (p< 0.001). Of the caregivers, 14.8 per cent were underweight, 18.1 per cent were overweight and 8.8 per cent were obese. There was significant association between the nutrition status of the caregivers and gender of the children (p< 0.001) and also with stunting rates of children (p= 0.047).

Originality/value

The study provides data on the current food security status and food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kenya which are mostly areas of marginal agricultural potential. The findings indicate a need for appropriate dietary improvements.

Food Taboos and Cultural Beliefs Influence Food Choice and Dietary Preferences among Pregnant Women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

A well-nourished and healthy population is a central tenet of sustainable development. In South Africa, cultural beliefs and food taboos followed by some pregnant women influence their food consumption, which impacts the health of mothers and children during pregnancy and immediately afterwards. We documented food taboos and beliefs amongst pregnant isiXhosa women from five communities in the Kat River Valley, South Africa. A mixed-methods approach was used, which was comprised of questionnaire interviews with 224 women and nine focus group discussions with 94 participants. Overall, 37% of the women reported one or more food practices shaped by local cultural taboos or beliefs. The most commonly avoided foods were meat products, fish, potatoes, fruits, beans, eggs, butternut and pumpkin, which are rich in essential micronutrients, protein and carbohydrates. Most foods were avoided for reasons associated with pregnancy outcome, labour and to avoid an undesirable body form for the baby. Some pregnant women consumed herbal decoctions for strengthening pregnancy, facilitating labour and overall health of both themselves and the foetus. Most learnt of the taboos and practices from their own mother or grandmother, but there was also knowledge transmission in social groups. Some pregnant women in the study may be considered nutritionally vulnerable due to the likelihood of decreased intake of nutrient-rich foods resulting from cultural beliefs and food taboos against some nutritious foods. Encouraging such women to adopt a healthy diet with more protein-rich foods, vegetables and fruits would significantly improve maternal nutrition and children's nutrition. Adhering to culturally appropriate nutrition education may be an important care practice for many pregnant women in the Kat River Valley.