A qualitative research to explore nutritional practices in Primipara women residing in Mumbai urban slums

Abstract

Introduction: India being a multi-cultural country has a diverse pattern of dietary practice followed during pregnancy based on individual’s perception and social context. Hence, this study was taken up in a slum area which was inhabited by dissimilar communities and qualitative methods were used to identify the mis-conceptions related to diet during ANC period which can act as a significant barrier to healthy eating. Methodology: Study area was an urban slum area where 4 focused group discussion and 3 In-depths interviews were conducted among primipara females, selected by purposive sampling technique. Results: 19.6±1.2 years was the mean age of the participants where most of them were illiterate and belonged to lower socio-economic strata. 4 themes were generated out of the qualitative analysis: Knowledge, Social Obstacles, Personal Impediments, Social Facilitators. Conclusion: Study found that there are a lot of mis-conceptions regarding food consumed and food habits adopted during pregnancy period.