Food beliefs of rural women during the reproductive years in Dharwad, India
1985
Rao, Meera
Extract: Food habits and beliefs during menarche, pregnancy and lactation were studied. The sample consisted of 68 pregnant women from three villages in Dharwad. Agriculture was the main occupation. Extended family was the usual pattern. The age of subjects ranged from 15-40 years. There was positive correlation between age and number of children. Age at marriage ranged from 6-26 with a mean age of 14 years. Age at marriage was negatively correlated with the number of children. The first pregnancy occurred between 12-36 years, the mode being 16 years. Age at marriage was positively correlated with age at first pregnancy. Food habits in the families were based on the staple foods grown in the region with supplements of vegetables in season. Milk and other dairy products, fruits, nuts and oilseeds were rarely consumed. A diet survey of the pregnant women showed a deficit of all nutrients in the diet. Foods such as milk, dry fruits, ghee, foods prepared from wheat were believed to have desirable effects if given in special conditions. Jack-fruit, (artocarpus integrifolia) potatoes, chillies and fried foods were avoided during pregnancy and lactation. The food beliefs during menarche and lactation were similar. Green leafy vegetables and sweets made of ghee sugar and spices were given. Roti and other foods made of millet and hot pungent foods were avoided. (author)
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