Influence of Food Taboos and Beliefs on Anaemia among Pregnant Women In Isiolo County, Kenya

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.