Analysis of the dietary taboos affecting dietary diversity of women of reproductive age in the South and Grand’Anse departments of Haiti
Context. Undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, is a global public health issue, particularly for women and children in developing countries. Dietary taboos in this population have been found to exist in many regions of the world, including in Haiti. This thesis describes research looking at dietary taboos and other factors impacting dietary diversity of Women of Reproductive Age (WRA). It is part of an intervention project aiming to decrease maternal and child mortality in the South and Grand’Anse of Haiti, a country where approximately half of WRA are anemic and one third of preschool-age children are deficient in vitamin A (WHO 2009, ICF 2018). Objectives. The objective of this research is to identify and understand food taboos for pregnant and breastfeeding women in the area, to determine what factors influence dietary diversity of WRA and if pregnant or breastfeeding women consume a diet that is less diverse than that of a woman who is not. Methodology. The research design included both qualitative and quantitative components. Qualitative data regarding food taboos was collected through focus groups. Quantitative data was collected through surveys and 24-hour recalls done with WRA who have a child under the age of five. Dietary diversity of survey participants was assessed using the FAO’s MDD-W and it’s determinants were analyzed through adjusted logistic regression calculations. Results. The focus groups revealed over 100 dietary taboos. Determinants of dietary diversity were related to the region, as well as characteristics of the household and mother. Breastfeeding women were less likely to attain the MDD-W and to consume “other fruits” and “other vegetables” though these findings were only significant in the non-adjusted model. Conclusion. Dietary taboos exist in the Grand’Anse and South areas of Haiti for pregnant and breastfeeding women. These taboos vary largely between communes and even within the same community. The restriction of these foods could negatively impact the dietary intake of many micronutrients, including vitamin A and iron. Key messages to include at educative activities through the intervention project will be formed based on results of this work.
Dietary diversity Taboos Women Maternal Pregnant Breastfeeding Haiti Micronutrients Undernutrition