Influence of Food Taboos and Beliefs on Anaemia among Pregnant Women In Isiolo County, Kenya
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Date
2020
Authors
Sora, Agustino
Kimiywe, Judith
Ogutu, James
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Square
Abstract
Background: Food taboos have a long history that could be used to explain the presence of certain
dietary tradition in every culture. Pregnancy imposes the need for considerable extra calorie and nutrient
requirements. A balanced and adequate diet is therefore of utmost importance during pregnancy and
lactation to meet the increased needs of the mother and to prevent nutritional stress. Isiolo County is
inhabited by communities that still practice all aspect of their culture, religion and beliefs. Some of the
beliefs that surround the diet of pregnant women, can harm the pregnant woman and the child. This
study sought to assess the common food taboos and beliefs during pregnancy and their inuence on
anaemia among pregnant women in Isiolo County.
Methods: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study population was
divided into 3 clusters based on the sub-counties in County. Both qualitative and quantitative data were
obtained by trained research assistants from a sample size of 374 distributed proportionately among the
three sub-counties and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Correlation coecients were used to establish
relationships between variables of the study and logistic regression was used to identify the association
of explanatory variables with the outcome variable. A p-value of <0.05 was used to determine signicant
results. Content analysis was used to present qualitative data gathered from focus group discussion.
Results: The study found a high prevalence (68.02%) of anaemia during pregnancy in Isiolo
County. Cultural beliefs and food taboos had negative effect on the prevalence of anaemia among
pregnant mothers χ
2
(3, N=369) = 8.201, p<0.001.
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of anemia in pregnancy associated with cultural beliefs. We
recommend partnerships between National Ministry of health and County government department of
health to promote campaigns aimed at eliminating negative cultural beliefs.
Description
A preprint published in Research Square
Keywords
Anaemia, Culture, Cultural beliefs, Food taboos, Isiolo County
Citation
Agustino, S., Kimiywe, J., & Ogutu, J. (2020). Influence of Food Taboos and Beliefs on Anaemia among Pregnant Women In Isiolo County, Kenya.