Frequency Of Food Myths and Taboos Observed During the Gestational Period Among Women Attending Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore

Abstract: Pregnancy increases the caloric and nutrient requirements considerably. But myths and taboos embedded into the cultural threads of most people, restrict intake of certain foods. This study recorded the theories and practices of food and behavioral beliefs during pregnancy. Objective: To determine the frequency of food myths and taboos observed during the gestational period among women, attending Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore with a sample of 100 pregnant women. A pre-tested questionnaire was used and women were selected through simple random sampling technique. All pregnant women of varying ages, and backgrounds were included. SPSS version 21.0 was used for data analysis. Results: 59% women believed in myths and taboos. 63% women were from lower socioeconomic status. Only 8% were working the res t being housewives. 86% showed awareness of food myths and taboos. No association was found between education, socioeconomic backgrounds and working statuses of women with their beliefs and practices in myths. Conclusions: Most women seemed to have positive prenatal practices as they did not engage in most food myths and taboos. Most popular belief was about the hot and cold temper of foods. A few were avoiding eggs, meat and nuts. It was found also that myths myths and taboos of pregnancy were not a hindrance in receiving adequate nutrition. Keywords: Food myths, food taboos, dietary practices, pregnancy.