Food taboo for pregnant and lactating mothers: A study on indigenous peoples in South Sulawesi

Nurbaya Nurbaya* -  Department of Nutrition, Mamuju Health Polytechnic, West Sulawesi,., Indonesia
Yudianti Yudianti -  Department of Nutrition, Mamuju Health Polytechnic, West Sulawesi., Indonesia
Hapzah Hapzah -  Department of Nutrition, Mamuju Health Polytechnic, West Sulawesi., Indonesia
Najdah Najdah -  Department of Nutrition, Mamuju Health Polytechnic, West Sulawesi,, Indonesia
Zaki Irwan -  Department of Nutrition, Mamuju Health Polytechnic, West Sulawesi,, Indonesia
Juhartini Juhartini -  Department of Nutrition, Ternate Health Polytechnic, North Maluku, Indonesia
Icha Dian Nurcahyani -  Department of Nutrition, Stikes Salewangang Maros, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
DOI : 10.30867/action.v9i3.1698

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Indigenous people believe in and practice food taboos as part of traditional culture. Food taboos are associated with cultural beliefs and are passed on to every generation, particularly pregnant and lactating women. Food taboos in the Ammatoa Kajang and Kaluppini indigenous communities are specific to pregnant and lactating mothers. This study aimed to explore traditional knowledge and food taboos concerning maternal health among indigenous people in South Sulawesi. This study uses a qualitative method with purposive sampling. Data collection used in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussion (FGDs) guidelines. This study was conducted in Bulukumba, Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi Province, from November 2017 to June 2018. The informants were mothers of children under five years, traditional birth attendants (TBAs), local midwives, and customary leaders. The data were analyzed in three categories:  coding process, categorization, and theme generation using Dedoose. We found that these two communities believed in and practiced food taboos that could prevent them from consuming various nutritious foods that are important during pregnancy and lactation. In conclusion, food taboos were practiced by both indigenous mothers, which may have prevented individuals from ingesting a variety of nutrient-dense foods that are crucial during nursing and pregnancy.

Keywords: Belief, qualitative study, nutrition, taboo

Supplement Files

Keywords : food taboo, taboo, indigenous people, pregnant mother

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Open Access Copyright (c) 2024 Nurbaya, Yudianti, Hapzah, Najdah, Zaki Irwan, Juhartini, Icha Dian Nurcahyani
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AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal
Published by: Department of Nutrition at the Health Polytechnic of Aceh, Ministry of Health.
Soekarno-Hatta Street, No. 168. Health Polytechnic of Aceh, Aceh Besar, 23352. Telp/Fax: 0651 46126 / 0651 46121.
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