scholarly journals Traditional food taboos and practices during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and infant care of Zulu women in northern KwaZulu-Natal

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mmbulaheni Ramulondi ◽  
Helene de Wet ◽  
Nontuthuko Rosemary Ntuli
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Infant Care ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Food Taboos ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Postpartum Recovery

Abstract Background Traditional practices and beliefs influence and support the behavior of women during pregnancy and childbirth in different parts of the world. Not much research has been conducted to examine whether and how cultural traditions continue to shape maternity experiences of Zulu women. The aim of this study is to establish the extent at which women in certain rural communities adhere to traditional food taboos and practices during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and infants feeding, in comparison to what is recommended by health care workers. Methods A survey was conducted in the rural northern KwaZulu-Natal between 2017 and 2020. A total of 140 women between the ages of 18 and 90 years were interviewed and they were chosen purposively based on their experiences in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, infant care, and their willingness to share the knowledge. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Most (64%) of the participants said that they adhered to these cultural food taboos and practices. The most common foods avoided were certain fruits [mango, naartjie, orange, papaya, and peach], butternut, eggs, sweets (sugar, commercial juice, sweet food, and honey), chili, ice, and alcohol. The most recommended foods during pregnancy were leafy vegetables, fruits (except the avoided ones), liver, and fish. For postpartum recovery, women mostly consumed soft porridge, all fruits and vegetables, beetroot, and tea. Food not allowed for children younger than 2 years included meat, sugar and sweets, and chewable foods. Conclusion Differences on food taboos and practices between participants who received formal education and those who did not received it were insignificant. The beliefs about the detrimental effects of some foods were not backed up by scientific research. Restriction of some orange/yellow colored fruits during pregnancy that are rich in vitamin A and/or C may affect daily requirements of these micronutrients, and the foods recommended during pregnancy and postpartum period would not provide all the essential nutrients required for successful pregnancy. However, some of the food taboos would protect women from unhealthy eating. Our findings provide a basis for developing culturally appropriate nutritional mediation programs for Zulu women with a view to provide effective nutritional counseling.

scholarly journals Traditional Food Taboos and Practices during Pregnancy, Postpartum Recovery and Infant Care of Zulu Women in Northern KwaZulu-Natal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mmbulaheni Ramulondi ◽  
Helene de Wet ◽  
Nontuthuko Rosemary Ntuli
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Scientific Explanation ◽  
Infant Care ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Food Taboos ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Postpartum Recovery

Abstract Background: Indigenous practices and beliefs influence and support the behavior of women during pregnancy and childbirth in different parts of the world. Not much research has been conducted to examine whether and how cultural traditions continue to shape maternity experiences of Zulu women. The aim of this study is to establish the extent at which women in certain rural communities still adhere to traditional food taboos and practices during pregnancy, postpartum recovery and infants feeding, rather than modern medical practices. Methods: A survey was conducted in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal between 2017 and 2020. A total of 140 women between the ages of 18 and 90 years were interviewed purposively based on their experiences in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, infant care and their willingness to share the knowledge. The interviews were conducted with school employees (teachers, cleaners and kitchen staff), workers in a cashew nut factory, and women in homesteads. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: Most (64%) of the participants said that they adhered to these cultural food taboos and practices. The most common foods avoided were certain fruits (mango, orange, naartjie paw-paw, peach), butternut, eggs, sweets (sugar, juice, sweet food, and honey), chili, ice and alcohol. The most highly recommended foods during pregnancy were leafy vegetables, fruits, liver and fish. For postpartum recovery, women mostly consumed soft porridge, all fruits and vegetables, beetroot and tea. Food not allowed for children younger than two years included meat, sugar and sweets, and chewable foods.Conclusion: There were insignificant differences on food taboos and practices between the literate and illiterate participants. Most of the food taboos they mentioned do not have scientific explanation. Restrictions from fruits (vitamins C and A) and protein consumption may result in malnutrition and deprive the unborn babies of sufficient nutrients, and the foods recommended during pregnancy and postpartum period would not provide all the essential nutrients required for successful pregnancy. However, some of the food taboos would protect women from unhealthy eating. Our findings provide a basis for developing culturally appropriate nutritional intervention programs for Zulu women with a view to provide effective nutritional counselling.

scholarly journals Barriers to dietary modifications for people living with type 2 diabetes in a rural indigenous Guatemalan community

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Wilson ◽  
James Svenson ◽  
Sean Duffy ◽  
Jessica Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Local Access ◽  
Food Expenditure ◽  
Dietary Modifications

In Guatemala, the prevalence of diabetes continues to increase with a disproportionate burden falling on indigenous rural communities. In this study, we assessed barriers to making dietary modifications for people living with type 2 diabetes in a rural indigenous Guatemalan population. Structed interviews (n=32) were conducted with participants selected from a convenience sample of adults with type 2 diabetes living in villages in and around San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala. Frequencies were calculated for closed-ended questions and content analysis was used to evaluate open-ended questions. Most participants (81%) were women with low-levels of formal education and average daily food expenditure of just over $1 USD. The majority of participants were able to identify foods important in a diabetic diet, however, with significant barriers to making dietary modifications. Commonly cited perceived barriers included high costs of food due to travel and storage, inadequate local access to fresh fruits and vegetables and incompatibility with traditional diet. Several structural and cultural barriers exist to prevent dietary modifications for people living with type 2 diabetes in this rural indigenous population.

scholarly journals Food-related taboos and misconceptions during pregnancy among rural communities of Illu Aba Bor zone, Southwest Ethiopia. A community based qualitative cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dereje Tsegaye ◽  
Dessalegn Tamiru ◽  
Tefera Belachew
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Birth Outcome ◽  
Fetal Head ◽  
Health Extension Workers ◽  
Traditional Beliefs ◽  
Southwest Ethiopia ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Food Taboos

Abstract Background Poor maternal nutrition adversely affects pregnancy and birth outcomes. In many societies, there are dietary restrictions due to misconceptions or food taboos during pregnancy which consequently results in the depletion of important nutrients. These cultural malpractices and beliefs can influence the dietary intake of pregnant women which subsequently affects the birth outcome. The study aimed at exploring the extent of food taboos and misconceptions during pregnancy in rural communities of Illu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using an in-depth interviews of key informants and focus group discussions among purposively selected pregnant women and their husbands, health care workers, health extension workers, and elderly people. Data were transcribed verbatim, thematized; color-coded, and analyzed manually using the thematic framework method. Result Thorough reading and review of the transcripts generated three major themes. The primary theme was the belief and practice of taboos related to the intake of certain food items during pregnancy. Pregnant women, their husbands, and mothers-in-law believed that certain foods should be avoided during pregnancy. The second theme was foods that were held as taboo and the reason attached to it. The most common food items held as taboo were related to the consumption of vegetables like cabbage, pumpkin, milk and milk products, sugar cane, fruits like bananas and avocado and egg. The main reasons to avoid these foods were beliefs that it can be plastered on the fetal head, making fatty baby which is difficult for delivery. The third theme was the reasons underlying adherence to food taboos which is deeply embedded in the person’s believes and attitudes of the pregnant women, who were nested within the influence of the social environment surrounding them and the traditional beliefs and values of the society in general. Conclusions The results showed a widespread practice of food taboos during pregnancy in the study area. The finding suggested that there is a need for strengthening the nutrition counseling components of antenatal care follow-up and planning comprehensive nutrition education through involving important others to dispel such traditional beliefs and prevent food taboo practices in the study community.

scholarly journals A serological survey of leptospirosis in cattle of rural communities in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2009 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
U.W. Hesterberg ◽  
R. Bagnall ◽  
B. Bosch ◽  
K. Perrett ◽  
R. Horner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Agglutination Test ◽  
District Level ◽  
Sampling Point ◽  
Serological Survey ◽  
Test Sensitivity ◽  
Apparent Prevalence ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Leptospira Interrogans Serovar Pomona

A serological survey of leptospirosis in cattle originating from rural communities of the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa was carried out between March 2001 and December 2003. The survey was designed as a 2-stage survey, using the local dip tank as the primary sampling point. In total, 2021 animals from 379 dip tanks in 33 magisterial districts were sampled and tested with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The apparent prevalence at district level was adjusted for clustering and diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity and displayed in maps. The prevalence of leptospirosis in cattle originating from communal grazing areas of KZN was found to be 19.4% with a 95% confidence interval of 14.8-24.1 %. At district level the prevalence of leptospirosis varied from 0 to 63 % of cattle. Bovine leptospirosis was found to occur in communal grazing areas throughout the province with the exception of 2 districts. The southeastern regions showed a higher prevalence than other areas of the province; while in some of the northern and western districts a lower prevalence was noted. Several serovars were detected by the MAT and although Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona occurred most frequently, serovars tarrasovi, bratislava, hardjo, canicola and icterohaemorrhagica were also frequently identified. The findings of the survey are discussed.

Isolation and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Typing of Listeria monocytogenes from Modified Atmosphere Packaged Fresh-Cut Vegetables Collected in Ireland

2006 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 2524-2528 ◽  
Author(s):  
GILLIAN A. FRANCIS ◽  
DAVID O'BEIRNE
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Modified Atmosphere ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
Fresh Cut ◽  
Pfge Profiles

The incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in modified atmosphere packaged fresh-cut fruits and vegetables from chill cabinets of a supermarket in Ireland was investigated over a 2-year period. Overall, 9.58% of fresh-cut produce was contaminated with Listeria spp. Various species of Listeria were isolated from samples, including L. monocytogenes, L. seeligeri, L. innocua, L. welshimeri, and L. ivanovii. No fruit samples contained detectable L. monocytogenes. Overall, a total of 21 L. monocytogenes isolates (2.9% of samples) were recovered from a range of products, including dry coleslaw mix (80% shredded cabbage and 20% shredded carrot), bean sprouts, and leafy vegetables such iceberg, romaine, and radicchio lettuce and mixed salad leaves (curly endive, escarole, and radicchio leaves). Dry coleslaw mix appeared to have the highest incidence of Listeria contamination (20%) compared with other products. Listeria contamination was more frequent (P < 0.05) during the summer and autumn months than during the winter and spring months. The 21 L. monocytogenes isolates were subsequently subtyped by genomic macrorestriction techniques using ApaI with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). PFGE of digested DNA produced bands of 79 to 518 kb. Four PFGE profiles were identified, and approximately 50% of the isolates were associated with profile 1. This study indicates that fresh-cut vegetables packaged under a modified atmosphere can support growth of numerous species of Listeria, including L. monocytogenes.

Evaluating conditions for successful co-management of subsistence fisheries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
VICTORIA R. NAPIER ◽  
GEORGE M. BRANCH ◽  
JEAN M. HARRIS
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
National Government ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Local Institutions ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Subsistence Fisheries ◽  
Perceived Success ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Conditions important for the success of co-management have repeatedly been identified, but their relative influence has not been quantitatively evaluated. To investigate the implementation of co-management in 11 subsistence fisheries within seven rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, perceptions of the responsible authorities and the fishing communities were surveyed. Of 16 conditions often considered important for the success of co-management, only nine were correlated with perceived success, the most strongly correlated being (1) benefits of co-management must exceed costs of participation, (2) training and empowerment, and (3) existence of a long-term ‘champion’ to drive the process. The perceptions of the authorities concurred with those of the communities with regards to the attainment of conditions, but views on the success of co-management differed significantly owing to disagreements that were specific to three particular fisheries. Both groups agreed that co-management is a viable improvement on top-down authoritarian imposition of regulations. However, it takes time to become effective; perceived success was directly correlated with how long individual programmes had been operating. Failure to devolve power from national government to local institutions, and delays in awarding subsistence permits, remain the major stumbling blocks to full realization of co-management.

scholarly journals The prevalence and risk factors of chronic low back pain among adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: an observational cross-sectional hospital-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morris Kahere ◽  
Themba Ginindza
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Exercises ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Abstract Background Globally, chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of disability associated with economic costs. However, it has received little attention in low-and-middle-income countries. This study estimated the prevalence and risk factors of CLBP among adults presenting at selected hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years who attended the selected hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal during the study period. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, work-related factors, and information about CLBP. The SPSS version 24.0 (IBM SPSS Inc) was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic characteristics of participants. CLBP risk factors were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A p-value of ≤0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results A total of 678 adults participated in this study. The overall prevalence of CLBP was 18.1% (95% CI: 15.3 – 21.3) with females having a higher prevalence than males, 19.8% (95% CI: 16.0 – 24.1) and 15.85% (95% CI: 11.8 – 20.6), respectively. Using multivariate regression analysis, the following risk factors were identified: overweight (aOR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.1 – 12.3, p = 0.032), no formal education (aOR: 6.1, 95% CI: 2.1 – 18.1, p = 0.001), lack of regular physical exercises (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0 – 4.8, p = 0.044), smoking 1 to 10 (aOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.0 – 10.2, p < 0.001) and more than 11 cigarettes per day (aOR: 25.3, 95% CI: 10.4 – 61.2, p < 0.001), occasional and frequent consumption of alcohol, aOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1 – 5.9, p < 0.001 and aOR: 11.3, 95% CI: 4.9 – 25.8, p < 0.001, respectively, a sedentary lifestyle (aOR: 31.8, 95% CI: 11.2 – 90.2, p < 0.001), manual work (aOR: 26.2, 95% CI: 10.1 – 68.4, p < 0.001) and a stooped sitting posture (aOR: 6.0, 95% CI: 2.0 – 17.6, p = 0.001). Conclusion This study concluded that the prevalence of CLBP in KwaZulu-Natal is higher than in other regions, and that it is predicted by a lack of formal education, overweight, lack of regular physical exercises, smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, manual work, and a stooped posture.

Protected areas and environmental conservation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: on HEIs, livelihoods and sustainable development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Inocent Moyo ◽  
Hlengiwe Marvelous Sweetness Cele
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Developmental Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Micro Level

Purpose The paper aims to advocate for innovative approaches in terms of the involvement of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the conservation of the environment, which fully considers and includes the developmental needs of indigenous communities while at the same time protecting the environment. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative study of indigenous communities and protected area (PA) authorities in Okhahlamba-Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, this paper explores the potential of the engagement of HEIs in capacitating indigenous communities to unleash their development potential towards reducing poverty and, thus accelerating the implementation of sustainable development goal one (SDG 1). Findings The paper shows that the enforcement of stringently protectionist policies in environmental conservation in PAs does very little to address issues of poverty because it leads to the marginalisation of indigenous communities and thereby their exclusion from using resources, which should benefit them. This undermines sustainable development, particularly the attainment of SDGs such as Goal 1, which targets ending poverty in all its forms everywhere. Originality/value Using the case of environmental management and governance of a PA in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, this paper highlights the fact that the attainment of SDG 1 can start at a micro-level and HEIs have a role to play in terms of collaborating with and understanding the needs of the rural communities so that research and innovation are geared towards meeting such needs. In this way, the paper advances the case of how the HEI-rural community-SDG 1 nexus can be established.

Assessment of a ground-based lightning detection and near real-time warning system in the rural community of Swayimane, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maqsooda Mahomed ◽  
Alistair D. Clulow ◽  
Sheldon Strydom ◽  
Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi ◽  
Michael J. Savage
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Lightning Activity ◽  
Lightning Flash ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Remote Server ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Education And Awareness ◽  
Multiple Network

AbstractClimate change projections of increases in lightning activity are an added concern for lightning-prone countries such as South Africa. South Africa’s high levels of poverty, lack of education and awareness, as well as a poorly developed infrastructure increases the vulnerability of rural communities to the threat of lightning. Despite the existence of national lightning networks, lightning alerts and warnings are not disseminated well to such rural communities. We therefore developed a community-based early warning system (EWS) to detect and disseminate lightning threats and alerts in a timeous and comprehensible manner within Swayimane, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The system comprised of an electrical field meter and a lightning flash sensor with warnings disseminated via audible and visible alarms on-site and with a remote server issuing short message services (SMSs) and email alerts. Twelve months of data (February 2018-February 2019) were utilized to evaluate the performance of the EWS’s detection and warning capabilities. Diurnal variations in lightning activity indicated the influence of solar radiation, causing convective conditions with peaks in lightning activity occurring during the late afternoon and early evening (between 14h00 and 21h00) coinciding with learners being released from school and when most workers return home. In addition to detecting the threat of lightning, the EWS was beneficial in identifying periods that exhibited above-normal lightning activity with two specific lightning events examined in detail. Poor network signals in rural communities was an initial challenge delaying data transmission to the central server until rectified using multiple network providers. Overall, the EWS was found to disseminate reliable warnings timeously.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document