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Cultural factors affecting pregnant women¡̄s participation in a nutrition supplementation program in Bangladesh
Author(s) -
Woo Jisung,
Pelto Gretel H,
Naved Ruchira T,
Frongillo Edward A,
Rasmussen Kathleen M
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.108.4
Subject(s) - miscarriage , pregnancy , medicine , psychological intervention , culturally appropriate , family medicine , psychology , nursing , genetics , biology
An ethnographic study was conducted to explore cultural attitudes, perceptions, and practices influencing pregnant women's participation in a nutrition supplementation program in rural Bangladesh. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 24 pregnant or newly delivered multiparous women. A semi‐structured interview guide was used to elicit data on pregnancy‐related beliefs, norms, and practice, as well as past experiences with supplement use. Text analysis, to code and identify specific themes, revealed that fears about pregnancy‐related risks, such as miscarriage, maternal death, and abnormal birth outcomes, as well as expectations about appropriate behaviors during pregnancy were embedded in culture‐specific beliefs and practices. Women in poor households had positive attitudes toward supplement use. Mother‐in‐laws and husbands acted as gate keepers for women's program participation. Women reported sharing the supplements with others and substituting them for their usual diets, which would reduce program effectiveness. Thus, understanding cultural factors is important for planning supplementation programs for pregnant women because these factors set boundaries for their participation. Obtaining support from family members is also crucial to assure women's full participation. (Funding: DNS Small Grant, Einaudi Center travel grant.)