Motivations for food prohibitions during pregnancy and their enforcement mechanisms in a rural Ghanaian district

Samson K. Arzoaquoi, Edward E. Essuman, Fred Y. Gbagbo, Eric Y. Tenkorang, Ireneous Soyiri, Amos K. Laar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Food taboos are known from virtually all human societies and pregnant women have often been targeted. We qualitatively assessed food taboos during pregnancy, its motivating factors, and enforcement mechanisms in the Upper Manya Krobo district of Ghana. Methods: This was an exploratory cross sectional study using qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs). Sixteen FGDs were conducted. Participants were purposively selected using the maximum variation sampling technique. Tape recorded FGDs were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Malterudian systematic text condensation technique. Results: All the participants were aware of the existence of food prohibitions and beliefs targeting pregnant women in Upper Manya Krobo. The study identified snails, rats, hot foods, and animal lungs as tabooed during pregnancy. Adherence motivators included expectation of safe and timely delivery, avoidance of "monkey babies" (deformed babies); respect for ancestors, parents, and community elders. Enforcement mechanisms identified included constant reminders by parents, family members and significant others. Stigmatization and community sanctions are deployed sparingly. Conclusions: Food taboos and traditional beliefs targeting pregnant women exist in Upper Manya Krobo. Pregnant women are forbidden from eating snails, rats, snakes, hot foods and animal lungs. To a large extent, socio-cultural, and to a lesser, health concerns motivate the practice.

Original languageEnglish
Article number59
JournalJournal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jul 2015

Keywords

  • Beliefs
  • Food prohibitions
  • Food taboos
  • Ghana
  • Motivators traditional enforcement mechanisms
  • Pregnancy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Motivations for food prohibitions during pregnancy and their enforcement mechanisms in a rural Ghanaian district'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this