The study was conducted in Sinam VDC of Taplejung district of Nepal. It is descriptive cross sectional study.
The data collection methods were used for this study was semi structure questionnaire to assess practice and structured guideline for Focussed Group Discussion to understand the beliefs and taboos on weaning in the area.
Results:
A total of 120 mothers with children aged between 3 month to around 3 years were included to assess the weaning practice of which 49.2% were below 1 year, 35% were within 2 years of age, 14.2% less than or of 3 years of age, 1.7% were above 3 years.52.5% of children were male and 47.5% were female.33.3% of families had 2 children and 15.8% of families had 5 children. Majority of them belonged to Janajati(35%) which was predominant ethnic group. Majority of respondents belonged to Hindu religion (66.7%) 34.7% of respondents had primary level of education. There is significant relationship between mother’s education and weaning practice in the study. Farming (25%) and foreign employment (51.7%) were major source of income and occupations followed in the area.
90.8% belonged to middle class in the wealth index. Calculations showed that there is positive association between income range and weaning practice.47.5% of mothers introduced weaning foods before 6 months of age of infants, 40% after 6 months and 12.5% before 1 month.
Most common types of weaning foods in this study area were sarbottam pitho(81.8%) and khole (47.1) with rice as a staple diet.85.83% of respondents still breastfed their child along with complementary feeding.14.17% of them expressed their view that breast milk was not sufficient and not required after certain age.75% of respondents were conscious enough to do night feeding to the baby and remaining 25% were reluctant to the practice.58.3% of respondents had the knowledge on need of sterilization of feeding equipment.72.5% of them had appropriate weaning practice.
Focused group discussion on beliefs and taboos revealed that Cultural factors and taboos have a powerful influence on feeding practices and eating patterns. Young mothers often find it impossible to ignore their ill-informed elders or peer group. Children were being fed three or more meals daily for reasons of hunger and satiety, stomach capacity and adequate growth. Traditional/cultural food preparation beliefs/practices were still adhered to.However, some participants thought that some of these practices were old fashioned and needs change.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Methods
2.1 Population
2.2 Sample and sample size
2.3 Tools and Techniques
3. Results
3.1 Socio demographic variables
3.2 Initiation of weaning foods
3.3 Appropriateness of weaning practice
3.4 Focus Group Discussion on beliefs and taboos
3.4.1 Taboos and beliefs on Breastfeeding
3.4.2 Taboos and beliefs on weaning foods
4. Discussion
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
The primary objective of this research is to assess the prevailing weaning practices, beliefs, and cultural taboos among mothers of children aged 3 months to 3 years in the Sinam Village Development Committee (VDC) of the Taplejung district in Nepal, while analyzing the association between these practices and socio-demographic variables.
- Analysis of maternal weaning practices and their appropriateness.
- Exploration of cultural beliefs and taboos regarding breastfeeding and solid food introduction.
- Assessment of the correlation between mother's education, parity, income, and weaning behavior.
- Identification of common weaning food types and local feeding rituals.
- Evaluation of the influence of social factors and traditional knowledge on infant feeding patterns.
Excerpt from the Book
Taboos and beliefs on weaning foods
The first weaning food introduced is often a gruel or starchy paste made of maize, rice, oatmeal, wheat, potatoes or crushed plantain (the main ingredient being the local staple) (Brown 1978:2088).Weaning foods in Nepal are based on a staple diet ("dal bhat") of cereal and legume; Locally available ingredients should be used that are low-cost and therefore affordable to the low-income socioeconomic strata. The foods should be soft in texture, low in fiber content, and high in caloric density. In the study area practice of feeding ‘khole’ which was prepared from millet or rice was common. The adoption of "sarbottam pitho" (super flour) was preferred from locally available foods by milling beans of different kind, maize ,wheat mixing them in equal proportions. The foods chosen for weaning recipes were easily available from gardens or local markets, low in cost, and used frequently in most households.
Taboos and beliefs on weaning by respondents quoted verbatim are
‘It is convenient to feed packed food but it is expensive and cannot afford. It takes lot of time to cook sarbottam pitho. If I had enough money I would change the food items for experimenting. ’
‘My baby cries without alcohol. My father in law drinks it every 3 or 4 hours. When baby crawls around him, he put drop of it and now it has made him to crave for it. Feeding alcohol is our ritual and pride ’
‘Giving rice early injures intestine. I feed only liquid and semi solid food ’
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of child malnutrition in Nepal and introduces weaning as a critical process for infant growth, emphasizing the balance between breastfeeding and complementary feeding.
2. Methods: This section details the quantitative and qualitative study design, describing the demographic population, sample selection of 120 mothers, and the tools utilized, such as semi-structured questionnaires and focused group discussions.
3. Results: This chapter presents the statistical data on socio-demographic variables and weaning practices, alongside qualitative insights regarding local beliefs, taboos, and dietary habits collected through group discussions.
4. Discussion: This section interprets the findings by comparing them with national and regional data, highlighting the correlation between parity, maternal education, and the observed weaning behaviors.
5. Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes the research findings, noting that while many mothers practice appropriate weaning, cultural beliefs and local traditions—such as alcohol usage—continue to play a significant role in child feeding.
Keywords
Weaning, Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Nepal, Taplejung, Sinam VDC, Malnutrition, Taboos, Cultural Beliefs, Infant Nutrition, Sarbottam Pitho, Khole, Maternal Practices, Socio-demographic factors, Public Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study investigates the infant weaning practices, prevalent beliefs, and cultural taboos among mothers in the Sinam VDC of the Taplejung district in Nepal.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The research covers infant feeding patterns, the transition from breastfeeding to solid foods, the impact of local culture on diet, and maternal socio-demographic influences on child health.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to assess whether mothers are following appropriate weaning practices and to understand the underlying cultural reasons for specific feeding behaviors.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study uses a descriptive, cross-sectional design combining quantitative surveys via semi-structured questionnaires and qualitative insights via focused group discussions (FGDs).
What topics are addressed in the main body of the work?
The main body evaluates demographic data, the timing of weaning, the nutritional quality of local foods like "sarbottam pitho" and "khole," and the influence of family elders on feeding decisions.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include weaning, infant nutrition, cultural taboos, breastfeeding, and public health in rural Nepal.
How does maternal education influence weaning in this study?
The study identifies a significant positive relationship between a mother’s level of education and her adherence to appropriate weaning practices.
What is the role of alcohol in local weaning practices?
Some respondents noted that feeding small amounts of alcohol is viewed as a local ritual or a way of "pride," despite its negative health implications, illustrating the power of cultural tradition over nutritional knowledge.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Astha Siwakoti (Autor:in), 2014, Weaning among mothers of children in Nepal. Practices, beliefs and taboos, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/276221
