“According to a recent study published in the scientific journal Nature, harmful myths and cultural beliefs have led to one out of every 5 pregnant women deliberately under nourishing themselves in Ethiopia.”
These behaviors can result in fetal deformities and giving birth to oversized babies, thereby directly affecting maternal and child health. Researchers reviewed data from 16 different studies in order to highlight the prevalence of food taboos present within Ethiopian society today.
Pregnant women in Ethiopia are significantly influenced by food taboos, with the lack of secondary education, absence of antenatal care follow-up and being a rural resident being key contributors. Detecting and managing these taboos is imperative for health workers, particularly during antenatal care check-ups, as effective nutritional support can help improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes.
Food taboos pose a significant threat to maternal health and family well-being by restricting the intake of essential nutrients. Undernourishment resulting from dietary restrictions may increase pregnancy-related complications while hindering optimal fetal growth. In light of these consequences, it is imperative to address food taboos to promote healthy reproductive outcomes for both mother and baby.
This study’s findings offer valuable insights into appropriate interventions for policymakers, planners, and health service providers concerned with improving maternal nutrition content. Examples include awareness-raising campaigns targeting women through the involvement of religious leaders in communities where dietary prohibitions are prevalent also developing tailor-made nutrition programs aligned with local customs as well as strengthening key maternal health services including pre-natal care. According to Mercy Lung’aho, the lead for biomarker and anthropometry at the Nigerian National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey, researching food cultures in Africa is crucial in tackling the distinctive nutritional obstacles encountered by communities throughout the continent.
references : https://www.scidev.net/global/news/food-taboos-causing-malnutrition-in-pregnant-women/
