| dc.description.abstract | A cross-sectional study on the prevalence and nutrition~l
significance of food aversion, food craving and food taboo during
pregnancy, was carr ied-out in Southern Ethiopia. Three hundred
women who attended antenatal clinic for routine check-up between
February and May 1995 were interviewed on dietary craving, aversion
and food taboo they experienced in the course of their current
pregnancy. Along with~he interview, mid-upper arm circumference,
triceps skinfold thickness, height and weight measurements, were
taken for assessment of nutritional status.
The results indicate that slightly less than three quarters (71%)
craved some foods, while about two thirds (65%) averted at least
one food. A little over a quarter (27%) avoided some foods due to
food taboos. Cereal foods were averted by more women (41%) than any
other food, although these are staple foods in the area. Livestock
products were craved by more women (55%) while at the same time
were avoided by more than two thirds (66.9%).
Aversion and craving were not related to education, gravidae,
income, residence or age, but, food taboos were found to be related
to education and income (p<O.05).
xv
More women of low education and from low income groups observed
food taboos compared to women of better education and in the middle
income group.
Using American reference values, the study showed a high prevalence
of malnutrition in the area. Only 18.9% achieved recommended weight
gain of 0.45 kg per week. Similarly, only 9.8% and 6.6% were found
to lie in the normal ranges of triceps skinfold thickness and midupper
arm circumference, respectively. Comparisons of various
nutritional indicators among averting and non-averting groups
revealed unexpected ·.;resutls. Averting groups had signif icantly
higher mid-upper arm circumference and triceps skin fold thickness
compared to non-averting groups (p<0.05). Those craving women who
managed to get the desired foods showed better nutritional status
,
than those who did not get (p<0.05).
The results also indicate that aversion was positively associated
with cravlng (Xl=10.66, p<O.OOl; odds ratio=2.36). Women who
averted foods were 2.36 times more likely to crave foods than those
who did not avert any food. This may imply that aversion and
craving are complementary processes geared towards insuring optimum
nutrition during pregnancy. Aversion entails avoidance of
monotonous diets, while craving calls for varied and nutritious
foods. A thorough study is, however, recommended before such a
conclusion is warranted. | en |
