Nutritional status and food taboo of pregnant women during gestation at Mahosot Hospital, Lao PDR
- Author:
Souphaphone Louangdouangsithidet
;
Dasavanh Bounmany
;
Vannida Douangboupha
;
Johnny Vannavong
;
Mayfong Mayxay
;
Bouavanh Pathoumthong
- Collective Name:LMJ
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Food, Taboo, Nutrition Status, Pregnant Women.
- From:Lao Medical Journal
2024;15(15):42-48
- CountryLao People's Democratic Republic
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:: Food taboos during pregnancy can have both positive and negative impacts on maternal and fetal health. While food provides essential nutrients necessary for pregnancy, certain traditional beliefs lead to the avoidance of specific foods.
Objectives: :to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women, identify commonly avoided foods, and explore the reasons behind food taboos.
Methodology: :A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 366 pregnant women at ≥ 20 weeks of gestation. Data were collected from January to December 2023. Data collection included four components: sociodemographic characteristics, food taboo practices, reasons for food avoidance, and nutritional status. Interviews were conducted using strutted questionnaires, and additional notes were recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 23 using descriptive analysis (number and percentages).
Results::The prevalence of food taboos among pregnant women was 48% (174366). Commonly avoided foods included beef, frogs, insects, goat meat, chicken, fish, balut, sea ood, honey, milk, dried buffalo skin, kha vegetables, kao thong vegetables, papaya, kaolame (sticky rice inside the bamboo), and durian fruit. The main reasons for food avoidance were traditional beliefs, concerns about fetal health, fears of difficult labor, perceived risks to maternal health, and concerns about stillbirth. Additionally, some women avoided certain foods due to personal dislikes or allergies. Regarding nutritional status, the majority of pregnant women experienced normal weight gain (59.6%), while 25.4% had mild weight gain, and 15.0% had low weight gain.
Conclusion: :Pregnant women must balance their nutritional needs with traditional beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Nutritional interventions and counselling should be designed with cultural sensitivity, incorporating local knowledge and the influence of community leaders. Additionally, healthcare providers should be trained to address food taboos in a way that promotes maternal and fetal health.
- Full text:202603031134341621ບົດທີ 04. SR_Souphaphone Louangdouangsithidet_Eng (Format LMJ_15).pdf
