The role of cultural beliefs on eating patterns and food practices among pregnant women: a systematic review

Abstract

Context: Despite the importance of cultural beliefs in clinical practice, few systematic reviews have investigated how these beliefs influence food practices in pregnant women.

Objective: To explore the role of cultural beliefs in eating patterns and food practices among pregnant women, highlighting food recommendations, food taboos and restrictions, and their association with health.

Data sources: A systematic review was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from May 2014 to May 2019.

Data extraction: Articles were included if the studies included pregnant women, analyzed how cultural beliefs may influence eating patterns, were peer-reviewed articles with original data, published in the last 5 years, and in English or Spanish language. Quality assessment was also performed.

Data analysis: A total of 544 articles were identified in the search and 24 were included in the final analysis (17 using qualitative design, 6 using quantitative design, and 1 with a mixed-design). These studies were predominantly from the African continent (n = 15). Our findings showed that culture is a key factor related to "taboos" and food restrictions, which are transmitted by the family or members of community, having a strong religious or spiritual influence. All these restrictions are related to the fear of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes such as the risk of abortion, dystocia, and congenital macrosomia, or are used to avoid child problems such as cutaneous and respiratory disorders.

Conclusions: Findings from this study indicate cultural beliefs are strongly associated with food patterns and eating habits in pregnant women. Administrators and health professionals should be aware of these beliefs to minimize problems in the perinatal period.

Keywords: cultural beliefs and practices; eating habits; food practices; nutrition; pregnancy.